An unexpected encounter, just like the millions of others we all experience every single day, proved to be the start of something much bigger for Simon Fairington, Clerk to Thames North Synod, as he bought a rail ticket. Simon explains more:
‘I'm doing choir practice,’ I said apologetically to the lady behind the counter, as I took out my earphones and stopped singing so we could get on with the business of purchasing a rail ticket. I'd been listening to the Tenor line of one of the pieces for our forthcoming Christmas set on my way to buy a ticket at St Pancras en route to Mission Council.
‘Oh, I don't sing,’ she said. There was a pause before she added, ‘Not since my mother died.’ Normally, I might have been tempted to let such a sensitive matter drop. It can be difficult to know how to respond in such a situation. However, I had only just recently scattered my own mother's ashes a few days previously. This gave me the courage to probe a little further.
‘When did she die?’ I asked, expecting a reply in the region one or two years, but I was quite shocked when she said, ‘Twelve years ago.’ Not a single note from her mouth for twelve years. ‘And I used to love singing’ She said.
‘You should join our choir,’ I replied. I explained that there are no auditions to join, just a desire to try your best. I looked her in the eye as I said, ‘We'll get you singing.’ I bought the ticket, but before leaving I explained a bit more about our weekly rehearsals and encouraged her to think about joining.
A few weeks later I went to buy another ticket. I saw her at the desk and let a couple of people queue-jump me so that I would end up at her counter. She instantly recognised me, and without even offering a greeting, she said with a subtle glow in her face, ‘I've joined a choir.’ ‘My choir?’ I quizzed. ‘The Methodists.’ ‘Methodists?!’ I exclaimed with mock indignation. ‘Well, I suppose the Methodists are alright.’
In truth, I was delighted for her, and encouraged that a little nudge from me was enough to set her on a new journey, a journey beyond her bereavement, and in a direction towards God.
Simple encounters like this may seem insignificant to us, but God is very much at work within them. How can we live the life of Jesus more closely in our interactions with others? Have a look at Stepwise. Its opening stream, faith-filled life, could help you notice more of God’s presence at work in your life and help you to unlock new opportunities.
