It was eighth grade. I was on my way to class when I noticed a girl fell down and dropped all of her books. My gut reaction was to help pick up books, so that’s what I did. She had another person helping her up in the process. As much as I can recall, a teacher nearby began helping and asked me to carry the girl’s books so she and the girl’s friend could help her downstairs to the office.

This is one of those mundane, everyday stories that might make you yawn. It wasn’t anything spectacular.

And yet, there is something crazy—providential—about this story. The girl’s friend who helped her is my wife. I can’t remember the first time Shale (my wife) and I talked about this, but I knew we were both in disbelief. We were so close to each other so many years ago. I would have never thought that girl would be the person I marry so many years later.

So many things had to take place in order for Shale and I to meet, fall in love, and get married. And it did. Because of God’s providential hand.

---

I tell this story because it’s a beautiful picture of God’s providence. You never know who God is going to put in your path that will be in your life in some an incredible way in the future. His providence is amazing, mind-blowing. That day Shale was just another student who I figured I would never speak to again, but God planned for her to be my wife.

This means that, in a very real sense, God made Shale and I for each other. He controls everything, including placing me in the situation where I pick up the girl’s books. He also controls Shale’s life to the point of having her befriend that girl and walk alongside her that day.

What seems to be minuscule details winds up being a wonderful testimony of God’s providence and a reason to be thankful.

Friend, don’t despise the ordinary circumstances of life. He’s orchestrating it all; He’s behind everything. From when you wake up, to your drive to work, to who you interact with on a daily basis—God controls it all.