It was a typically unpredictable couple of days at the hospital.

• “Read Jeremiah 29-33.” That’s what a guy who identified himself as a prophet told me in the hospital today. I probably will. I don’t know about his prophetic calling, but I do know those are good chapters.
• The emergency contact for another person is a pastor I know. And haven’t talked with for four years. It was good to hear his voice.
• I needed to call a rabbi. We’ve talked before. He helped me figure out a prayer for someone. It was good to hear his voice again.
• I haven’t talked with this family for a few years, but we had a nice conversation, catching up.

Almost all of what I do as a staff chaplain is unscheduled. We are at the mercy of the pager and the phone. And the strokes and heart attacks and accidents and illnesses. And yet, in all this unpredictability, I have conversations that I didn’t plan and I’m grateful for.

I know, of course, that some readers will say, “See, God uses you so much.” Or “look at the cool ways God guides your steps.”

I understand that. I also am uncomfortable saying, “That guy had a heart attack so that you two could talk.” And I’m uncomfortable with the idea that somehow, interesting conversations are particularly for me.

I’m aware that after nearly forty years in town, I have connections with a lot of people. I also know that I’m just an introvert talking to the people who are in front of me, listening and offering support.

Imagine that the interruption, the person in front of you, the person who just came to mind, is an opportunity for conversation and connection. Or maybe a prophet. Either way, I invite you to listen.