Coincidence

I believe in Christianity as I believe that the Sun has risen: not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else.
~CS Lewis~

Few weeks back after DCG, decided to take the tube back because it was raining. E and H were with me after supper. It was E's first time to DCG, and so we spent more time hanging out. Got on to the crowded train at Leicester Sq via the Piccadilly Line Platform. Shoved in by massive Ladettes who I suspect are also making their way back after a very drunken night out. Was shoved into this tiny corner, where I could not even turn my head round to see where H was, just in case she was sandwiched. H is quite petite. I was commenting to E how we would never see such scenes on the MRT. At 1130pm on Friday nites, no way would you see grown mature adults squashing each other on the train. A minute later, this chinese looking girl wearing a gore tex jacket with a backpack said "yes, it does" and smiled. Considering the fact that I only had 4 quick stops before I arrived at my destination, I didn't quite make long conversation. Just smiled and acknowledged her comment. But, something in my heart (call it a prompting) made me feel as if I should have. She is after all Singaporean (can tell from her accent) and I've just been talking about PDA that night in DCG. So, I started deliberating and stopped my friendly bantering with E who was in front of me. Thought again but still felt weird. Remembered Ps Ed's sharing at IDMF about the lorry driver on the last day and how that talk really impacted me about God's heart and our obedience. So okay, just as I was about to try and open my mouth hoping I could now get a conversation in within 2 minutes, she got off at Rusell Square. Sigh...Lost chance. Missed opportunity. Wah, my heart sank, and felt a sudden annoyance with myself. Kept quiet and didn't say much. And I got off the next stop while H and E continued with their journey home.

That was that. Felt guttered that night. Ended up making the Easter Conference Intro Video for Sunday service. Didn't feel like thinking deeper.

Weather has been brilliant, and today I was kept busy in the office (indoors) for most of the time. Didn't help that just outside my window I could see children playing in the park, some other folk reading on the bench and the younger ones having a game of tennis. Simplicity. Oh, joy. Comforted myself with the fact I was being responsible for my work and followed through the phone calls and projects I needed to sort out this week before my absence. Proud of myself for finally being able to get the colours I want for the church t shirt designs, and for persuading those who were in office today to go for hoodies instead of sweatshirts.

Finally, had some fresh air and was meeting up with JL to do some follow up. Was at Queensway so kinda nice cos food selection is plentiful, n near enough for me from work. She was tired but was so excited to tell me how she scored the highest grade for all her modules that one could possibly attain this term!! Praise God. Amazing testimony. Ate at Kiasu, this singaporean joint - pleased with the authentic food, the soft music and the service. The boss came to talk to me, and I thought I'd make friends with him - never know right?? He gave me some pretty sound advice about my phone and bag being exposed!! haha..JL showed me her big portfolio and designs after dinner when we were sitting around. Not your typical restaurant where they chase you out. Guess, making friends with the boss has it perks! I saw her design and I told myself - what an amazing gift she has and how she can use it for God so well. We talked about social action, and I shared with her also about my mission trip. Dunno how to respond when she asked if she could come since she's on 4 week Easter break considering that I'm going off in a few days. Just at that moment, this old man popped in through the front door wanting to check out the restaurant. He's singaporean!! Two minutes later his family joined him and as our table was quite near the entrance in our little corner, I saw a familiar face next to me : It was that girl on the tube!! That girl I talked about. It was the same gore tex jacket, same way her hair was tied, same manner she stood and same backpack!!

Coincidence.

My heart was beating fast. I was numbed. Should I say something? So embarrassing right? Even weirder now with her parents( I presume), and uncle and another friend there. Then they walked around and talked to the boss, and she stood right next to my seat. The boss came to us and asked the girl what she was doing in London. She said she is doing her Masters at UCL. Okay, something common to start with. Inside, I whispered to myself. Here's your chance...like what she did the other day when she eaves dropped on my conversation on the tube and made a comment. Maybe I should too. I could say, Really? You are studying in UCL? I studied in UCL. ..maybe work from there..

Okay, well I couldn't formulate the words outwardly and sigh, did not say anything. After all, she wasn't having a conversation with me. And it would seem rude.

I honestly thought its just a coincidence she's here. Didn't think divine appointment at all.

As her parents were contemplating whether to sit down for dessert before they rush off to their play ( see I really was eavesdropping!!) she asked the boss who was still within distance of me for the menu. I had 3 menus on my table which the boss gave me to take with me. And I thought for a moment, looked around - his staff were all busy serving customers, should I offer the menu since I have 3 and I doubt the boss would walk all the way up to the counter to get her a menu. He is the boss. Bosses don't do such things right? As I suspected, he tried to get the attention of his workers but couldn't and that's when JL said, you have 3 menus - just give him one lah!

Okay...so I thought again, am I going to want to suffer another nite of being frustrated with myself for not being bold enough?? All this while my PDAs have never been this weird or embarrassing or in front of other people ie the family members and my OWN friend.

Decided just make small talk Val. And as usual, I'm always too late. The thinking too much has led to me losing opportunities and chances. The family decided they won't have time for dessert and they left for their play.

So, I'm guttered again. This time I shared with JL what just went on and how my soul was super uneasy. I told her, that I knew it was a prompting from the Spirit but I just didn't. Why didn't I? I was just as clueless.

Ended up guttered and this time went shopping. It is thursday so its late night shopping. Went to Muji, HMV and Books etc and a bag shop. Almost knocked into the glass door whilst I was walking out if not for JL's distinct scream.

That was that.

Took the tube back, and I decided to change at Holborn instead of Oxford Circus. As I was walking to the Piccadilly line platform going down the escalator, it was her...she was just like a few steps below me on the escalator. I could recognise her backpack!!! And this time she was all ALONE!!

Ok. Coincidence?

Definitely divine appointment. I'm not gonna mess with God and the HS leading 3 times man.

This time, I was pretty obedient. I even had a plan. I knew when she would get off (cos of the last time) and I executed my plan. I prayed this time.

Subtly decided to walk a few paces down so that when we get to the bottom, inevitably would be in-line. Walked to the platform. Saw the sign board. Next train was 5 minutes. That's my time! Cos I would never had the time if the train was there. Russell Square was the stop after Holborn. I was more brave. I think when she saw me and I saw her, with had that few slow motion pro-longed stare. I kinda guessed she would say something. Not the shy type considering she did butt in to make a comment to me on the train about MRT in singapore :P

I didn't do anything. She started talking to me. And I just went along. Small talk was good. But I still had 3 minutes. I shared about God, did John 3:16 the "modern method" quoting The Message and The Street Bible type thing. I did NOT have my Evangecube as I gave it to C on Sat. Wish I did though cos that may impress her :) But its not about impressing the gospel with a cube, the cube is just a tool after all..She said, "thanks for sharing. Its very meaningful. I used to go to church but not anymore." Then the train came. We got on, and she got off within 2 minutes. In that 2 minutes she was busy looking for her keys so we didn have time to follow through the conversation. Glad the seed is sowed though I regret not asking her for her name and her number or giving her mine. These are the days I wished I had a flyer or card on me to give her. I guess I hope we'll have another divine appointment or she'll meet another Christian who will talk to her about God. Man, UCL is flooded with Sporean OCF-ers and the Agape people who do Street E weekly. I hope she bumps into them and gets a tract and reads it!!

As I was walking home, it finally hit me that it was Ps Ed who told me "there is no such thing as coincidences is life. Just as much as I don't believe in luck, I don't believe in coincidences."

Guess its not just with PDAs but with everything that happens in our lives and the people God brings in our paths, even friendships. Nothing is a coincidence! God always knows and has a plan.

I guess at the end of the day, its not about me feeling guttered but me needing to obey even when it seems weird. God was gracious to me. He provided and combated my fear of weirdness, and I got to speak to the girl alone in the end. And I am just grateful to God for allowing me that small span of time to share with her, and hopefully sow a seed of thought in her head to dig deeper.

I feel I need to go get some tracts later, and get my hands on those Evangecubes/rings. Well, tonight has also given me inspiration to finish our church's corporate card thing with info and all, but more attractive and creative. Something like the Hillsong Church one.

Had my fair share of sleep, and I love early hours where I can reflect and do my work in peace and quiet :P heehee..

I believe in Christianity as I believe that the Sun has risen: not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else.
~CS Lewis~