The Restored Traveler - by Jane LaFlamme

It is so weird and tricky traveling or vacationing now as a widow without my beloved spouse, Terry.  I would often think of going places and just abandon those thoughts, not wanting to venture out alone without a companion and, at least in those moments, not feeling like I could find a willing co-pilot for all I wanted to do.  

This past summer I did have the lucky invitation from a dear friend to hang with her at a summer house in Oscoda and enjoy the Lake views of beautiful Lake Huron.  I took her up on it and ventured on my own to the trek to her place.  While planning this, I had a compelling internal urge to travel onward to a place I'd visited before when Terry was alive, on the shores of Lake Michigan--Petoskey!  After mulling it over, I convinced myself I could champion my fear of traveling alone and explore this place by myself by adding a couple of days onto my trip with my friend.

As I ventured to Petoskey. I was very proud of myself for actually staying in my chosen hotel for the night.  I did it!  I slept okay and with minimal fear, and I felt that some portion of my courage project was conquered with God's help.

The next morning, I ventured out on the beautiful beach, which was virtually empty and walked a bit.  It was peaceful.  Happy with the God's beauty in nature, and a bit grateful but pensive, I sat down to reflect on my conquering this lone vacation goal and became a little melancholy.  Missing my husband, I became a little sad, sharing internally with God my sense of isolation, loneliness, and overall abandonment even though I was sitting here in this stunning place of beauty and peace, untouched in these morning hours.

Just then a gentleman startled me with a tap on my shoulder, quickly handing me this stone and saying, "I have brought this for you."  I did not know the man, who, to be honest was a bit scraggly and for sure a stranger.  For a few long seconds I felt ill-prepared, not sure whether to make conversation or run for safety.  But I took the stone and looked it over; I realized it was a heart-shaped Petoskey stone.  I knew right then that Jesus was sharing his love for me in this lonely moment.  I had some long seconds, without words, emotionally processing this message from God and his personal care for me to minister to me so personally and miraculously, right where I was at.  

I then realized I hadn't made conversation with this gentleman or even thanked him.  He had left.  I looked around and he was gone and literally nowhere to be seen on the long view of the beach.

An angel?  I have no idea. but one sent by God at the perfect moment -- YES, I am certain of that!  In our hardest internal moments, Jesus loves us and God is there.  Prayers of gratitude for these special moments of love and personal care, and especially the supernatural ways and means that His love is conveyed, which will never be forgotten. Just for me and to me.   I am never alone, even when I think I am most alone!  Thank you Jesus!