Random Stranger Story

power of words

Growing in Wisdom

A spirit whispered. Faint in the background. Tell them a little bit about your growth, it said. The voices began around the time I met Miss Philosophy. A random stranger. During the same mysterious period of my life, I experienced an intriguing sequence of dreams. Since then, I've grown. Hopefully becoming wiser. Much better at distinguishing what's what and who's who in the jungle. How the system works. Disordered. Crazy and chaotic. Truth of the matter? Life's a wonderful mystery. At times perplexing. And exhausting. The confusion is painful. Other times spirits bring clarity. Comfort. Sometimes even humour. Art is therapeutic.

The Rich Life

My parents used to complain: You've got to read other books too, not just the bible, they said. After many years ignoring their words, I finally listened. Following their passionate advice about the wonder of words, less than enthusiastically. Now I understand. Words are powerful. Books have been a lifesaver. Words make life richer. Reading has changed everything. As a kid, I lived in my imagination. Some say I still do. Back then, I was only interested in playing games. Basketball, cricket, football. And flying model planes. Hitting a heavy ball hanging in dad's sock connected to a rope. Dangling from a large tree in the backyard. Sport was number one. Books were not.

A Mysterious Female

Books were for girls. Nasty teachers. And boring adults. Literature didn't rate. Boring books couldn’t help young males emulate famous sports stars. Around middle age things changed. A mysterious female appeared. She leaned over and politely introduced herself. Miss Philosophy was correcting essays in a groovy Cafe. Saturday morning. Sipping coffee. Reflecting. The intriguing female was a teacher. Bookish girl leaning on a big comfy cushion. Up against a whitewashed wall. We began talking.

“Do not forget to entertain strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unknowingly.”

- Hebrews 13:2

Entertaining Angels

Our conversation developed quickly. You've got to read this book, she said, you must. Oh, really? Okay then. Downloaded the first chapter. I was hooked. Miss Philosophy was right. I needed to read this book. Felt like it was written for me. Later, I wondered. Who was that girl? And how did she know me so well? Her gentle patient nature was heavenly. Never saw her again. Only the memory remains. And an important book in my library.

Random strangers, spirit voices, cool cafes, and timely books. They help me grow in peculiar ways. Mysterious ways. Otherworldly ways.