Matthew 9:9-13

          Turn a different corner

          9 As Jesus passed on from there, he saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax office; and he said to him, "Follow me." And he rose and followed him. 10 And as he sat at table in the house, behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and sat down with Jesus and his disciples. 11 And when the Pharisees saw this, they said to his disciples, "Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?"  12 But when he heard it, he said, "Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick.  13 Go and learn what this means, `I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.' For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners."

            Have you ever given any thought to timing? In any context, it really is critical.

          My husband and I have often thought how blessed we are. At times our thoughts have wandered into the territory of,  what if we had met years ago? The truth is, we both know that had we met years ago we wouldn't be the people we are today, that made us fall in love with each other. We would not have been ready for each other. It seems like we met at just the right time and God gifted each of us with the other. Timing is everything, we were ripe. 

         Jesus said to Matthew "Follow me" and Matthew went. At a different time I don't think he would have. Jesus picked some disciples at one time, Matthew at another. Perhaps Matthew had some issues in his life. I am sure even then, men pondered the meaning of life. They had to 'find themselves' to the extent they could. Matthew was ripe when Jesus asked him to follow.  

          Scripture is the same as well. I've noted that you can read a passage at 20 and get one message, read it 20 years later and get another that you couldn't have fathomed at the age of 20. 

          Life is so complex. Creation is a matrix we will never fully unravel. Perhaps it is not ours to know because it keeps us searching, learning and growing. The mystery of how things occur and the seemingly magical timing that is involved is astounding.

           I believe we should simply accept these wonderful gifts that we have been graced with ,with all the coincidences and perfect timing that is entailed. Be thankful for turning a different corner and finding the joy of your life.