Coincidences and Janet

Janet has been gone for six months.
I think of her often, especially when we go to Rochester for appointments.
This is where she lived; this is where she worked; this is where she died.
She was my friend since before our children arrived....when we were both young, naive, newly married, newly everything....

I hadn't heard from her for weeks which was not uncommon. We connected with each other by phone or texting every couple of months so not hearing from her didn't send up any red flags.

However, six months ago, when in Rochester for appointments and eating in the Mayo cafeteria, Janet arrives spontaneously at our table in her wheelchair, oxygen tank attached. What a surprise. The "how have you beens" were exchanged, but her answers were careful. We wished each other the best and were off to our individual appointments.

Two hours later, as my husband is waiting in the pulmonary unit, Gonda Building, floor 18, for his appointment, Janet is leaving from hers--same building, same floor. (If you're familiar with Rochester's medical facilities, you understand the hugeness of this.)

We both express surprise. Again, we meet!
However, she has tears. The news she received was not good.
Her doctors suggested she not go home; they suggested she go immediately to the hospital for care.
Janet went home.
She ended up in the hospital a few days later and never left.
We texted and face-timed almost daily during her time with Hospice care.
I met her loving sister; became re-connected to her beautiful daughter.
Coincidental timing in all this?
I think not.

Bernard D. Beitman, M.D. defines coincidences as "a remarkable concurrence of events or circumstances without apparent causal connection." And further states, "Biblical coincidences can confirm belief in a personal God."

There are numerous "coincidences" in the Bible:
Joseph, Jonah, Moses, Ruth, Isaac finding a wife, Jesus being born in Bethlehem...

What appears as a random chance is in fact overseen by a sovereign God who knows the number of hairs on your head (Luke 12:7)

Humans explain that which is unexpected as "coincidental."
The closer you get to God, you'll understand that there are no coincidences.
As, "All things work together for the good who love God and are called according to His purpose." (Romans 8:28)

Not some things, all things.
Guess who is in charge?
Should be a comfort to know that we are not.
Miss you, Janet.
And, I thank God that we had these last moments together.