Richer Whispers...The Unexpected

God knows our hearts.  I trust it.  I believe it.  After the past 24 hours, I understand it in a new, fresh way.
Four weeks ago, we drove the 982.81 miles to Portland, left all that was familiar (and comfortable) to us, and began this new adventure.  We have been welcomed with arms more open and even wider than I could have hoped.  Matt's parents have opened their home in this transition period, and been so beyond gracious and welcoming to us.  Friends (e.g. reconnections, friends of friends and others with hearts of gold) who have invited us over, included us in their days, met us at parks, helped us in this transition in various ways, have shown our family what hospitality looks like.    

We know that we are supposed to be here, but yesterday was a struggle as there are so many pieces of the puzzle still waiting to settle.  One of the harder moments was watching our little girl struggling with missing her friends and her life in Cali, trying to find her place on a new gymnastics team, and not feeling well in the midst.  I hadn't been emotional since the mile after we left our Rancho home, but I just felt sad for the moment and asked the Lord to comfort our hearts.  
He did in three unexpected ways (actually five ways, but I'll just mention three):

Unexpected Conversation: "Are you the parents of the new girl?" One of the team moms asked us as we sat, watching Kaylee.  "Yes, we are." That simple question provoked conversation, and before practice was over we learned that a dad of one of Kaylee's teammates, teaches at the dental school with my father-in-law.  Her mom and I have enjoyed acquainting ourselves while our girls train.  Small world, yes, but warmth to my heart when you understand something in common.  

Unexpected Kindness:  A few weeks ago, the kids and I met my dear high school friend (of whom I haven't seen since then) and her three beautiful daughters at this stunning park with a view of Mt. Hood.  She said she knew it was me from afar since I was the only person in the park wearing a coat (My skin is still California thin; it was a balmy 65 degrees!).  We reconnected like time hadn't passed, and last night I received a caring note from her, balming my heart.   

Unexpected Encounter: At the library, I found an intriguing book entitled, "60 Hikes Within 60 Miles of Portland."  I picked it off of the metal shelf, tucked it in the purple library bag, and decided to take a look at it when we got home.  I found a great hike five miles south-east of the city at a wildlife refuge on the Willamette River, and decided we would head there in the early afternoon.  The three of

us were walking on the trail, enjoying the marsh-like beauty, green foliage, white cherry blossoms and yellow wildflowers when a lady was walking down the path towards us that looked like my sweet friend from high school (another friend I haven't seen since high school).  As she got about 50 feet away, we looked at each other in disbelief and both said, "NO WAY!!!".  What are the chances that in a city of about 600,000 people we would encounter each other at this moment on this path?  I knew this was more than coincidence; it was a gift from above that I just had the privilege to unwrap.

I realize that every day is filled with the unexpected.  Am I looking for it (not the kind filled with fear; the kind filled with opportunity of how God might be working)?  Am I stopping long enough to soak in the beauty around me whether it be the bullfrog on the log or time with a precious friend that has walked back into my life?  After today, I was reminded of the gentle whispers that come our way.  We just have to be still enough to hear it.  The whispers that make our lives richer.  Thank you, God, for knowing, caring about, and whispering into our hearts.