Recently I ran into my best friend at Pizza Ranch. Most people would think that it was a nice coincidence, but actually, I see it more as God placing a small blessing in my life. Let me explain.

God has a perfect plan for our lives. We may not see them as perfect, but to God they are exactly what He wants for us. Along this path that God has laid out for us there are going to be obstacles that we need to overcome, but He knows that we have the strength, through Him, to overcome them all. But, God also knows that along this bumpy road we are going to need some encouragement. This is where coincidences come in. Rather than calling them coincidences, I like to call them blessings. God knows what we are going through, and He also knows what will help us along our journey.

Recently I have been noticing these small blessings quite a bit more. There are little things that will happen in during my day that get me thinking. There is a reason that I went the places I did today, and a reason that I encountered the people I did today. God has a plan. So back to the Pizza Ranch story.

One of my very best friends is a Totus Tuus missionary this summer, which is amazing and I am so proud of her, but it also means that she has been gone all summer. This particular friend and I have been best friends since 2nd grade and have been in school together since then, including college. So this wonderful person in my life has been gone for two and a half months and I miss her.. a lot. She is finally assigned to a parish in town and I will have the opportunity to see her. Nope. That weekend my family had planned a trip to Wyoming to visit family. I was crushed. I just wanted some best friend time. That's all. Well, God's got a plan, and there is a reason that I am supposed to wait until August to see her.

A week later I ask my mom if we can go to Pizza Ranch for dinner, which is strange because it is not my number one choice restaurant. By the grace of God, my whole family agreed to go and so we go to Pizza Ranch. When we walk in there sits my best friend whom I had not seen since May. God knew that I needed a hug and just a few minutes with her. I had been going through some medical struggles and had been having a stressful week. He knew that I needed a pick-me-up, and what better pick-me-up than my best friend.

This is just one example of the blessings that God has given me. He knows what you have on your plate, and what tools you will need to accomplish the task at hand. He also knows that you are going to need some ice cold water at the end of the task. Next time you encounter a coincidence in your life, think of the amazing hand of God at work in your life. And don't forget to thank him!

God's love for you is so abundant and He is never going to stop loving you! His love shines through in so many ways, but one of the biggest ways is through the blessings He gives you. Know that everyday God gives you a blessing, and that He is always looking out for you!

"Pray, Hope, and Don't Worry. Worry is useless. God is merciful and will hear your prayer." -St. Padre Pio