Page 31 - SMH 2018 3rd edition

Here’s where, what then we realized, “Divine Intervention” was happening. So in walks, oh,
maybe 20 local folks, song sheets, hymnals and bibles in hand. Young, old, in between. This
tall, broad shouldered, white bearded man explains he’s a local pastor, and they “reserved” the
church quite a while back for a special service today. Michele’s husband, observing in the back
row, joined us in greeting this special group, nodded and smiled and asked forgiveness as we
planned to leave. But no. We were kindly invited to stay.

For the next hour or so, we joined in song and prayer as the pastor spoke. He spoke deeply and passionately on love
and family and community and forgiveness. It was *exactly* what Michele needed to hear in too many ways, and as
the obvious streams of tears rolled down her cheeks, Tony, her husband, handed her a tissue. No, this moment called
for quicker-picker-upper paper towels.

“I haven’t been to church in far too long,” Michele said to Tony that evening on their sunset walk. “And in this great
space, CHURCH CAME TO ME, on a Sunday, in a sacred historical landmark, church came to me. A reminder to
love and forgive came to me. A reminder that each and every act of our lives should be on purpose and filled with
great love came to me. A reminder that community is family came to me. A reminder that love + hate cannot coexist
came to me.” Debra noticed Michele nodding like a hungry child, hoping this moment would never end, but it did,
and we must say that we’re still in shock over this so-called synchronicity. Or was it. So ~ that’s it.

I guess the message would be not to worry. We are always divinely guided whether we ask for it or not, and to say

YES to friends, family and community. To love equally, and without condition. To forgive. Whoa. That one required
an extra paper towel. The pastor said to expect miracles, and rejoice in them. And to love.
May we always remember that LOVE is all that truly matters.

On a side note, as we sat and finalized this sacred story a few months later,
a dove flew into the church and captured our attention by moving from
window to window towards the safety of the light. We guided him out and
laughed to each other. Winged creatures are often said to be closest to
God as they soar through the skies nearest to the heavens. We looked at
each other and said, “ of course.” This church wanted its story to be told.

31 Smoky Mountain Hiker