What Happened?

“Some people complain because God puts thorns on roses, while others praise God for putting roses among thorns.”

~ Author Unknown. 

The belief in God was never really a question for me. I believe, although my understanding of God has oscillated through the seasons of my life.

I will admit, however, that I never understood/accepted the testimony of people saying that God had spoken to them. I just couldn’t get my arms (and intellectual brain)  around the idea.

Until yesterday.

I was at Mass and listening to Fr. Raymond, a new priest at our church. He was introducing himself and talking about growing up in and around Brooklyn, NY and how he ultimately ended up in Aiken, SC.  I believe he will be a great addition to our parish and assistant for our pastor. He shared that his plan had been to be a physician, but spoke of God having other plans for him and as he put it, “Man plans and God laughs”.

As he was speaking those words, and without any warning, something enveloped me and very clear instructions were spoken to me.  The instructions were for me to take a path that I had never considered, or even thought about casually. The “voice” also told me why I needed to do so.

Fourteen words that will likely change my life forever.

I had never experienced such an event and I promise you that no alcohol or recreational pharmaceuticals were involved.

Instantly, there was no doubt that I needed to obey.

As tears welled up in my eyes, I wondered what I had just experienced?

Later that afternoon, (as she walked in the house carrying some groceries)  I shared what had happened with my wife and Alicia is supportive of what needs to be done.

I am not going to disclose the words I heard, at least for now.

Maybe someday, maybe never.

On Saturday, if someone told me that I would experience what I did on Sunday, I  would be sarcastically dismissive.

Yet, today the journey begins.

Is there anyone out there who has had a similar experience?