It was one of those warm fall afternoons, the kind where the sun takes its time setting and the world feels a bit slower. Having arrived early for an appointment, I took the moment to check my phone for updates, a routine we've all grown familiar with.

As I looked at my phone, a delivery truck pulled up next to me. The familiar sounds of cardboard shifting echoed from inside the vehicle, and not too far away, the sudden squeal of tires reminded me of the hustle and bustle of Philadelphia streets.

Walking past the delivery truck, a passing thought led me to comment, "I guess hearing those sounds coming from the next street makes you want to stay here a little longer."

The driver, pausing from his task, began sharing his struggles navigating the busy streets. Our casual conversation shifted gears as I introduced myself. I mentioned my role as a chaplain and how I served the company whose lot we stood in. Wanting to leave a mark of encouragement, I offered him my usual greeting: “I am the person you call before you jump off the bridge.”

His stunned reaction wasn't what I had expected. "That is exactly what I need right now," he admitted, a vulnerability evident in his voice.

Our discussion took a more somber tone, addressing the shadows of anxiety and depression that so many grapple with in today's world. As I handed him my card, I hoped it would be a lifeline he might cling to in darker moments.

Interestingly, he revealed he'd never parked in that lot before. It was a simple act of rearranging boxes on his truck that had brought him there. But I believe, in life, there are few coincidences.

It brings to mind Jeremiah 29:11, "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

God, in His infinite wisdom, arranges our paths in ways we might not always understand. This belief in divine appointments, the idea that God orchestrates our steps for purposes beyond our immediate understanding, is reaffirming. That afternoon, perhaps, was no accident. It was a divine appointment orchestrated by God so that two strangers could find comfort and encouragement in each other.

Our daily lives are filled with such moments, where God calls upon us to be His messengers to offer words of encouragement and to shine His light in unexpected places. The Book of Hebrews 13:2 reminds us, "Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it."

It is imperative for us to stay attuned to these nudges from God, to be ready to offer an ear, a kind word, or a prayer when the moment arises. Just as God arranges our encounters, He also equips us to be blessings to those we meet.

Today, I find myself praying not just for the driver but also for each of us. May we always be receptive to God's divine appointments, finding opportunities to uplift and inspire others. For in doing so, we don't just touch the lives of those around us but get a glimpse of God's mysterious and beautiful design for all our journeys.

Let's remember Proverbs 16:9, "The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps." (ESV) Even in the smallest interactions, God's hand can be felt, guiding, shaping, and reminding us of His omnipresent love. Today and always, may we be open to those moments and recognize God guiding our steps.