I wondered, “What will I say?” Feeling tempted, “Will we connect at
all? What will she think?” For a few moments nervousness overran, as I second- and third-guessed the whole idea. Then the door opened, and I knew it was
her. Our common friend set us up, knowing I was
learning Russian, saying, “Oh, you should meet her. I told her you’re going to visit Holocaust
Survivors who speak Russian, and she wants to help.” So this night at the coffee shop was precious
for me, for I’d been hoping and praying. And in that moment she pulled open the door, every haunting
temptation fell away. All worry cast out. I felt my face run out of room to smile any
bigger, and this fresh overwhelming joy set me almost speechless. Yes, this whole endeavor toward Russian was revealing anew again. And the Lord had set our table so tenderly, having prepared for us conversation far deeper than the learning of any one language, guiding us through a whole array of talking, listening, laughter, and tears. She did help me with my Russian and shared firsthand of Russian
culture, yet more than anything I simply loved my new friend and was praying for her. She soon posed the notion of designing a card in
Russian to welcome the Holocaust Survivors who would attend our concerts, and
upon our arriving Israel in a few weeks, we witnessed such love conveyed in the
giving and receiving of those cards. Thinking back,
what if I had withdrawn in fear that night at the coffee shop? What if we had never met? How empty I would feel, as I wouldn't have laughed with her in love of our cats, and sadly I wouldn't know the thrill of anticipating a concert with her in a couple of weeks. Here again I saw the abundant blessing of persevering through the unknown. Again I saw my need of the strength of the Lord. In Matthew 26:41, Jesus tells His disciples, “Watch
and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak.” And I
thank Him for saving me, saving us, daily.
