Nancy and I took a few days to relax at Rehobeth beach. The weather was terrific, and we enjoyed walking the boardwalk and finding new places to eat.
Wednesday afternoon, I stole a few hours to do some writing while Nancy wandered the beach.
I searched the hotel for a quiet spot where I could grab a cup of coffee. Finally, I ended up in the pub. It was perfect. Hardly a person in sight, and they gave me a pot of coffee.
The Interruption
Fifteen minutes later, in walks this hippie-looking guy carrying a guitar. He sets his guitar in the corner and leaves. Then, a few minutes later, he is back with more equipment and a mic stand.
So much for my quiet space.
I struggle to find words while watching him set up. My mind is all over the place. Distracted, I am about to give up and find Nancy when he starts playing.
A Gift amidst the Sound
He is pretty good. His sweet spot is 70’s rock classics that take me back to my childhood. Slowly the words started to come. The longer he plays, the faster the words flow. This musician who has “invaded” my quiet space has broken my writer’s block.
After an hour, I texted Nancy and invited her to join me in the pub for dinner.
She shows up and starts smiling. “I was going to suggest we come here for dinner, but I figured you would not be interested in the live music.” She is not wrong. I probably would have passed on dinner in a small pub with live music.
We enjoyed our dinner while listening to the music and banter of our musician friend.
Meeting Keith
As we got ready to leave, I stopped to tip the musician for helping break my writer’s block. I introduced myself and shared my story of seeking a quiet space and him invading it. Keith laughed as I thanked him for helping me find the words I was searching for.
That’s cool. What are you writing?
I write a blog.
About what?
I write about a lot of things; The spiritual life, I also share my cancer journey.
Oh, how are you doing? Are you good today?
Well, I am in treatment, but all things considered, I am blessed.
Man, it is hard. My friend James is going through a fight with cancer right now.
The rest of the conversation is ours.
The Spirit Moves
As we got ready to part ways, I laughed and said, “God works in crazy ways. How in the world did the two of us end up standing here talking about your friend and his journey.” Keith laughed and agreed.
Our conversation was good. It was an encouragement to each of us. However, the circumstances surrounding it appear so random, even unlikely. So how do Keith and Dan end up talking in the pub alongside Rehobeth beach?
The Spirit moves in amazing ways!
Nancy and I enjoyed a walk on the beach. Walking hand in hand, I reflected on how the Spirit moves through our lives.
Keith’s last set was at 9 pm.
I headed down around 8:30. I gave him a copy of my book, The Journey Continues. He received it with thankfulness, and we shared a few moments before he started his final set. As I walked away, Keith said, “It is crazy how God works.”
Yes, my friend, it certainly is. May we always have hearts, minds, eyes, and ears open to see what God is doing.
If you think about it, say a prayer for Keith’s friend James as he fights his cancer battle.
Any profit from the sale of The Journey Continues goes to provide books that I can give away to those whose who are experiencing a cancer journey or walking with someone who is.
If you want to donate to help provide books, you can contribute here – A Place in the Conversation – donate
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