In my early twenties I embarked on a life-changing journey as part of a Christian singing group. The vision was to bring God’s love and joy to children living in orphanages who longed for a glimmer of light in their lives. Christmas was a particularly magical time, and one day I found myself leading a spirited Christmas entertainment show for a group of children who were all about five years old. Little did I know this would mark the beginning of a heartwarming story that would come full circle fifteen years later.
That day, with the air filled with anticipation and excitement, we sang songs that echoed through the hallways of the orphanage, capturing the children’s attention, and stirring their hearts. We taught them carols that shared the timeless story of Jesus’ birth and the message of love and hope. As we wrapped up the show, we gave each child a simple Christmas present, which included a colorful poster to remind them that Jesus loves them. This was something they could hold on to long after the holiday season.
Fast-forward fifteen years to a hot summer day in July 2005. It was a few days before I was going to get married to the love of my life, Brian. We were staying with his best man’s family, surrounded by wedding preparations and the excitement of a new chapter in our lives.
Unrelated to the wedding buzz, the house where we were staying needed some repairs, and our friends had hired some handymen to help with the job. When the workers arrived, our friends were not home, so my husband and I acted as the hosts. I prepared coffee and biscuits for them while they worked on fixing the wall and tiles. What happened next was nothing short of extraordinary.
While passing out the cups and the treats, my gaze met the curious eyes of the young apprentice. A sense of wonder swept over him, freezing him momentarily in time. I felt both uncomfortable and intrigued, and I asked him what was on his mind. What he shared left me utterly amazed.
“Nothing is wrong, Ma’am,” he began. “To the contrary, I am both overjoyed and taken aback by the sight of you. I remember you. I can hardly believe it!” My discomfort deepened as I struggled to recognize a face that I was sure I had never encountered before.
“Allow me to backtrack,” he proposed, with a smile on his lips. “May I ask if your name is Katrin?” With a nod, I acknowledged his inquiry. His eyes sparkled as he continued, “You play the guitar, don’t you? And you sing, quite beautifully, I must say?” I smiled as I blushed in confirmation. I couldn’t help but wonder how he could know such details about me.
“I knew it!” he exclaimed. “See, you probably don’t remember me, because it was a long time ago, I was about five, and there were so many of us…”
He told me that he was one of the orphans I had performed for during that memorable Christmas show. With vivid clarity, he recounted how I had held his little hands, looked into his eyes, and assured him of Jesus’ love. “I still keep that poster you gave me,” he added tearfully. “And I never forgot meeting you.”
The poster I had given him had become more than a token of seasonal goodwill. It had planted a seed of faith in his heart that grew through the years.
There were probably over 50 little children dancing around us during that unforgettable Christmas show. What are the chances I would meet one of them fifteen years later, on the eve of my wedding?! But here we were. Two lives, connected by an act of kindness and a seed of faith planted long ago, were crossing paths once more.
My Christmas in July, as I would come to call it, held profound significance for me. It whispered to me of the potentially far-reaching impact of the words we speak and the acts of kindness we bestow.
This unexpected encounter also underlined the importance of planting seeds of faith, even when we can’t predict the outcome. I wonder how different his life might have been if I had missed the opportunity to tell him of Jesus’ love for him. Thankfully that was not the case. And here he was; the little orphan boy had grown into a remarkable young man.
In the tapestry of life, every encounter, no matter how small, can add a unique thread that weaves a beautiful story. That chance encounter in July wasn’t a coincidence. It was a purposeful reminder of the impact of God’s love and grace!—The best wedding present ever!
As we said our wedding vows, my husband and I also vowed to carry forward the lesson learned—to cherish every moment, to never underestimate the power of a kind word, and to always be faithful to share the message of Jesus with everyone we meet.