By Shellie Miller-Farrugia
Sometimes things don’t work according to plan. We often set out to accomplish a particular thing, a goal a dream…and then circumstances take the plan off course. After the initial disappointment, indigestion and insomnia, the consequences we may have imagined are often an ugly figment of our imagination. More than two decades ago, I was thrilled to be scheduled for a 10-day African safari with a long-time associate and girlfriend. The vacation was booked, paid for and all details firmly in place. As an animal lover who is appreciative of God’s amazing and varietal creations, my visions were clear as to days sighting and observing exotic wildlife. As we prepared to begin taking our Malaria medication, my trip-mate made a choice that seriously damaged our friendship and caused the trip’s cancellation. Sad, disappointed and angry that I’d been made a fool of; my trust in others was tenuous for a time.
Some months later, another girlfriend and I set out on a 10-day ski trip to Wyoming to focus on hills, thrills and big fun in the snow. It was time for some quality “girlfriend time.” Little did I know that five guys had set out from Boston for the same destination and, on the last night of their weeklong stay, Scott and I crossed paths when I was dancing and he and his friends were playing pool. Twenty-two years later, my children, our children and the two of us thank God for that missed safari!
There are many stories like mine, and most are far more spectacular. I’ll never be convinced that Divine Intervention isn’t part of the majority of amazing outcomes. A close friend of mine was a “wild child” as a young woman. Despite her parents’ patient efforts, they grew frustrated with her late nights out, shady friends and serious substance abuse. Upstanding and involved members of the community, at some point they had to be wondering what they hadn’t done right and what would become of their little girl. Now more than 28 years sober, my friend and her husband have become a blessing to others. They share a long-standing commitment to sobriety programs and have a rehabilitation center for other addicts. She says, “I’m convinced whenever God closes a door, He always opens a window.”
A young man of 27, Paul Templer, was more successful than me in making his African adventure become a reality. His plans surely never included being swallowed by a hippopotamus on the Zambezi River, but that is what really happened! He was close to death, but numerous measures were taken to save his life and today he is a successful motivational speaker and fund raiser for disabled and terminally ill children. No doubt there were moments when he was distraught by his circumstances, but today there are scores of children and families who are blessed by his choice that didn’t turn out as planned…. and it makes me even more thankful that my Africa trip (and possible hippo date) didn’t come to pass.
What major blessing do you have that came about unexpectedly? We’d love to share your story! Email spectatormag@aol.com