Finding Serendipity in Texas

  Serendipity can be defined as: a talent for making fortunate discovering while searching for other things. Although the word serendipity alone seems to imply a stroke of luck or chance, I struggle to believe that these circumstances in life are brought about by mere luck. Perhaps these divine occurrences that are advantageous to man are orchestrated by God. Therefore, I consider the serendipitous discoveries on my journey divine, revealed by the Lord himself in his own timing and way. This past week, I was given the wonderful opportunity to visit a dear friend in Texas for a few days. In all honesty, I assumed my trip would consist of exploring my state of birth and sharing life with my friend; little did I know God had so much more in store.  As I settled into what would be my temporary home for the next few days, I was unaware that the Lord was about to pull my heartstrings and reveal to me more of his nature in unimaginable

ways. 

As I reunited with my friend Evie, I thanked God for giving me time to share life with her and see her doing the Lord's work in her own setting. It is incredible to me how powerful a friendship is that is built upon God. She is truly one of the few people in my life I can be completely transparent with.  I know I can expose my sin and struggles to her completely and trust that she will encourage me and lift me up in prayer at any moment. On this particular trip, God taught me so many lessons through her as we poured out our heart and what God has been doing in our lives. I was reminded that although each of us struggles with a specific area of sin, we are called to get rid of its foothold and rely completely on God as we strive to live a life like Christ. What a beautiful picture is painted as God sets our captive selves free from the sin that so greatly ensnares us.

I must say, the greatest 'discovery' in Texas was made in Fort Worth at the Serendipity Equine Haven. This small stable is easily one of the purest reflections of God's love that Ive ever seen. Serendipity, as it is called, is a non profit organization that uses its equestrian facilities to serve people with special needs. Debra, the founder, said she felt God calling her to do this, and decided that as long as God would give her the means to maintain the organization, she would offer the services free of charge. Talk about complete faith in the Lord. As I stepped onto the soil of this land, I could almost feel God smiling upon this beautiful place. Since Evie is about to begin volunteering here, I was able to follow her around during her orientation and learn more about it. As we talked to the women in charge, it was so evident their heart for people with disabilities as they attempted to describe how incredibly rewarding it is to work with these precious athletes (as they are commonly referred to as) and see the joy on their faces when they connect with the horses. Perhaps the greatest part of the trip was meeting a mother of a few of the athletes. Although I cannot recall this woman's name, a picture of her smile and love will forever be etched into my memory.  She has not one, but three young men with special disabilities that come to the equine center. Although one might expect a mother with such a heavy responsibility to appear fatigued and possibly pity the situation, this woman was entirely different.  She was never once without a smile and had the patience and joy described in Galatians. As she radiated the unending love of Christ, I could not help but develop an immense respect for her.  She is the kind of person I truly aspire to be; the epitome of a proverbs 31 woman. I will never forget the sparkle in her eye that appeared as she watched her sons joyfully nuzzle the horses, or the streams of laughter that erupted as they attempted to feed all of the horses carrots. Although all of her sons were incredible young gentleman, each possessing a contagious laughter, my favorite was her child named Andrew. Andrew, the most extraverted, loves to ride horses and is allegedly quite the culinary mastermind. He finds humor in almost everything and can brighten a room with his melodious chuckle. It amazed me to watch the beautiful interaction between these young gentleman, their caring mother, the trainers, and the loving horses themselves.  There was such a peace on this stretch of land and the loving joy was almost palpable. I am extremely grateful to have witnessed the Lord at work in another part of the country and meet this wonderful people who have encouraged my faith.