What are the chances of running into a stranger twice…in two different locations?  I am amazed with how many people are in the world and yet how small it can truly be.  When this happens, my mind typically starts processing the ‘why’.  There must be a reason.  I am a firm believer that nothing occurs by accident and there is a purpose.  Am I supposed to glean something from the so-called chance meeting?  What am I supposed to share with them?  It boggles my brain and yet, I am in awe of these serendipitous events.

Even more crazy, the day I met Robyn, I was on a trail I had never ridden before.  In fact, I didn’t even want to go out riding.  I hemmed and hawed before suiting up and rolling down the driveway.  Not only would I have missed one of the best rides ever, I would have lost a unique opportunity to experience synchronicity.

The uniqueness of this meeting is magnified by the following:

• The chance encounters were different days of two different weeks with time in between.
• The locations were 5+ miles apart.
• I encounter few people if any on these rides and never the same people twice.
• Rarity of seeing other female riders – in 2 years, I have crossed paths with three.

Are these truly happenstance moments, or is the greater good in the works on our behalf?  Being grounded in faith, I don’t take these occurrences lightly.  I do try to enjoy the moment, but I don’t want to miss the deeper intention.  Is God at work knitting something together?  Is it purely for the enjoyment of the moment or is it destined for further action?  After two meetings, I have yet to see Robyn again.  However, that second chance encounter motivated me to keep riding and pursuing a sport that doesn’t have many 60+ year old women.  I find great solitude and exhilaration among the treelined trails.  It’s a time to connect with God.  I soak in the beauty of all He has created, including me and the capacity of the human body to power through physical obstacles strengthening for any type of challenge that may lie ahead.

Synchronicity or serendipity?  For me, I see it as a God thing and marvel, once again, at His working. 

Watch for Synchronicity – Part Deux!