January 15, 2018

When God Sends Blessings In Disguise

When we went on our first family cruise a few years ago, we were seated at the perfect table in the dining room. We were right next to a big round window, and we loved it. It was out of the way, and we had a great view of the ocean.

Last year, as we were planning our second cruise, I was insistent that we get the same type of table. You know, because I am weird like that. Before we left for the cruise, Steve called and requested a window table. Unfortunately, we were told that reserving tables is not permitted prior to the cruise. And because he is the most awesome husband ever, Steve went directly to the dining room as soon as we boarded the ship to request a window table.

When he returned, he told us that while the manager was very kind, he could not promise a certain table assignment. The table we were assigned was not the same one we had before.  It was in the middle of the dining room, far from the secluded window tables. The manager said we needed to sit at that table the first night, and he would see if he could switch us the next day. That sounded good to me.

That first night we dressed for dinner and headed to the dining room. We were seated at a beautiful, round table in the middle of the room. I immediately liked the round table much better than the long one we had previously. But that is not what made our evening so very special. Our main server that first evening was a young man named Alan. He was the most kind, professional, friendly server ever. It was clear that he loved what he did, and wanted each person to have the best time possible. We had a wonderful experience that first night, and left feeling very happy.

The next day, we received a message that the manager of the dining room was unable to change our table. And you know, we were so very happy that he could not. We were happy knowing that we were to have such a kind and friendly young man take care of us the remainder of the week. Each night, as we got to know him better, we realized that Alan would become more than our favorite server on a cruise. We realized he would become a friend. And that is exactly what happened.

Before we left for dinner the last night of the cruise, Flynn made a card for Alan. She thanked him for everything, and wrote that she hoped that he could keep in touch. I was so proud her, but thought it not likely, as I knew the servers on the ship meet hundreds of people and most likely do not remember them from week to week.

I was wrong. We continue our friendship with Alan to this day. And we are friends not only with him, but also with his beautiful family in the Philippines. You think I would have learned by now to let things go, right? I should stop trying to control things, and let God handle them, even when I think I can take care of them on my own. Because sometimes, God sends us blessings in disguise. And this time, it was the blessing of a lifelong friendship with a wonderful family we otherwise would never have met. : )


New friends on the ship...

And long after we returned home.

We enjoy messaging with his beautiful family too. : )

We are so thankful that we did not get seated at the table we thought we wanted. And that God brought our families together. And for a friendship that will last a lifetime. 








22 comments:

  1. Funny how these things work out isn't it! Just to let you know that I am sort of back blogging.

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  2. Awe! What a beautiful friendship! I didn't think they could correspond (so I never looked into it). There's a guy Cecelia loved and he adored. He was so excited when he found out my Slovenian roots and that I have family in Slovenia, especially since he was from Slovenia. This was a God moment for y'all indeed!

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  3. So so wonderful! I love these kind of stories and I am so glad you shared yours with us!

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  4. I'm so happy you shared your lovely experience with us, Billie Jo. How lovely you have been able to have a friendship with your server from the ship. These folks work so hard and sacrifice so much to make a better living for their families. I try very hard to not be disappointed when "my way" is not granted, for I know that my Father may have other better plans for me. ♥

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  5. God works in mysterious ways and on this occasion you were blessed making wonderful friends.

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  6. I love this so much!!!!!

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  7. Love this story! What a blessing :-) Reminds me of the song Unanswered Prayers by Garth Brooks.... have you ever heard that one? We never know what god has planned for us, each day is a new surprise and a gift. Hope you are having a wonderful day!

    Blessings,
    Jill

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  8. That is wonderful. God knows what we need, when we need it, and He wanted your family to have a new friend and made the way.

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  9. Hi Billie JO!

    I loved that story! God has a way of putting the right people in our lives at just the right time...tender mercies. I love that you still keep in touch with him and his family, that's so cool!! Thank you for sharing!

    Hugs and Love,
    Barb

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  10. That is so sweet. God does work in mysterious ways, he gives us not what we think we need but what we really need.

    http://www.henatayeb.blogspot.com

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  11. This is such a beautiful story! You are all so blessed.

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  12. A blessing in disguise indeed! I love this story and am so happy you gained a lifelong friend! It was meant to be! :)

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  13. Awww...
    Thanks for the reminder about receiving blessings in disguise - something I needed to hear right now.

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  14. What a beautiful story and I see that not only is your friendship a blessing for your family, but theirs as well.
    I love the way God knows what we need.

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  15. His ways are not our ways... this is an awesome story!

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  16. OH MY! what a wonderful testament of how God is always working in our lives, this spoke volumes to me, Billie jo! Thank you for sharing, your new found family is precious. Thank you for visiting and for your sweet comment.

    Now I am off to catch-up on your other posts. I always leave with a smile.
    Blessings,
    Sue

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  17. Aw, how very sweet! So glad you gained a friendship. God is good!

    Hugs my friend!
    Amy

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  18. What a beautiful story! Thank you for sharing.

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Thanks so much for saying hello!

Billie Jo