I know I’ve said this before, but it bears repeating: I love
it when I can see the hand of God at work! Probably everyone knows that I do a
lot of freelance work. One day I found an ad for an anthology. I had what I
thought was the perfect story, so I sent it. A little while later I received a phone
call from the woman heading it up, Nancy. We talked for a while, seeming to hit
it off. Of course, with both of us being writers there was naturally a common
bond.
A few months later the book came out. As I read through the
other authors’ stories I realized mine was different. Mine was a little more on the humorous side than the serious. Nancy then sent me a message inviting me to
like the book’s Facebook page and send a photo and an update to the story. She
then sent me a friend request so she could tag me in the Facebook post.
It was after we were friends and she was looking at my
Facebook page that she realized we had another common bond. We both attended Houghton
College. Now this may not seem like much to you, but I’ve been to Houghton. And
for anyone else who’s been there, they know that it’s a special type of common bond.
You see Houghton is small, very, very small. There were only 1500 students
there when I attended. Not to mention it’s in one of the remotest parts of New
York State ever. Civilization is about an hour away. When two people realize they have both been there, it’s a big
deal.
Houghton is where I learned a lot about writing. It was
where I matured as a Christian. It was where I made some of my best friends with
whom I am still in contact today.
While Nancy and I were separated by a few years at Houghton,
we walked the same ground, we ate at the same cafeteria, and we worshiped the
same chapel.
As Christians, we all have a common bond already, but when we can
see that God has given us more commonalities it just proves to me how He is at
work in our lives every day.It’s the beginning of a new year and I challenge you to find common bonds between you and other Christians besides your faith. Have you had similar experiences? Do you like some of the same things? Your similarities may draw you into a friendship you never expected, leaving you blessed beyond belief.
If you’d like a copy of the book, just click on the cover to the right. It will make you cry and my story may make you laugh.
And…since it’s Thursday, here’s a few throwback pictures that some of you Houghton people may enjoy. Warm memories on this cold day!
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It's kind of you to say we graduated "a few years" apart! I am still friends to this day with women from the 4th New floor, even though I transferred from Houghton to Penn State after one year to pursue my journalism degree. I went from 1,300 to 35,000 students!
ReplyDeleteThat's a huge jump in student body! I much prefer the 1500.
ReplyDeleteI thrived in the crush of 35,000 students!
ReplyDeleteNot me. I like small towns, small schools, small churches.
ReplyDelete