When World's Collide

Today I walked into the office and saw a friend from many years ago. I couldn't believe my eyes. There was Zoe Ann talking to Betty,(Usually I have a problem remembering names) as I greeted her she smiled at me. It was one of those horrible moments when you should remember the person but you are trying to rack your brain so you don't look like you don't know them:). Fortunately, it was Zoe that was trying to place me. I could read her mind, she was thinking "I know her, but where do I know her from?" So Betty tried to rescue her by saying "you know Susan?" There was still a look on Zoe's face of "I should know her... "maybe she is one of my former students from the college?". Finally, I said "Zoe, it's me Sue!". With a look of relief on her face and a rush of memory... "Oh, why didn't you say Sue? Since when did you start going by Susan?" I laughed! We talked for quite awhile and she reminded me of days I wanted to forget. After several minutes she encouraged me. She said that I looked so much happier than the last time we saw each other. She brought back the memory of the pain and hurt of my divorce and the sad days of the past. But then, she reminded me that with God we have for a bright future. Just because life doesn't go as planned doesn't mean it can't get better. When I left the office I still felt the sadness of the mistakes of my past, but the assurance of God's grace and mercy that has flooded my life. I also I thought about the friends in days gone by that walked through my darkest hours with me. During my lunch I went outside and called one of them to thank them for being there for me when I needed them.