Have you ever felt a tug to do something or go someplace, but you didn’t feel motivated to do it? You know you should go or do whatever it is, but your heart just isn’t in it? If you don’t go, you’ll never know what you missed, but if you do go, you’ll realize in that moment that you were meant to be there all along.
I’ve experienced this many times in my life, but I didn’t have a name for that feeling until my friend Tiffinay and I read this book called Prayer of Jabez nearly a decade ago. The author refers to those instances as divine appointments. I like that there’s a name for those little tugs, but I have to admit that I’ve been slow to obey — even when I realize that I might be late (or even miss) one of these appointments.
Today was no different, but the tug started yesterday. A dear friend of mine asked if I’d like to go walking after work sometime this week. I said, “Sure!” I texted that I’d be out of town most of the week and that tomorrow (meaning today) would be the only chance I’d have to hang out. It was almost time to shut down, and I didn’t want to be in the building a second longer than I had to because of the extreme heat that encapsulates you the second the air conditioning is turned off for the day. So I packed my things quickly and shut down my computer. In my haste, though, I left my cell phone in my office and didn’t discover it until I had already made it home 30 minutes later.
Interestingly enough, Gail, Sandy, and I paused outside again to look at the clouds, but we didn’t see kissing ducks this time. We saw what resembled an inebriated turkey and a billowy downward dog. Had we decided to take pictures, I would’ve remembered my phone, but I guess it wasn’t meant to be.
Later that night I realized that my friend and I never confirmed our date. Just in case she still wanted to walk, I’d pack comfy clothes for a three or four-mile walk. That way I couldn’t weasel out of it by saying I didn’t have anything to wear.
When I arrived at work this morning, my phone was dead. Thankfully, I had also packed my charger. Good news! We were going to walk right after work. Boy, was it hot! I don’t like hot weather. I thought of a few legitimate reasons why I couldn’t go, but something kept tugging at me. I really did need to finish tweaking the school improvement plan. I really did need to return a few phone calls. I really did need to make it home to walk my dog and pick up dinner. I really did have an appointment with myself to work on my manuscript. More tugs, and I finally gave in. Whatever God had on my calendar was much more important.
My friend and I walked and talked for about 45 minutes — getting in three miles round trip. We sat at a bench to cool down for a couple minutes, and our appointment showed up right on time. She didn’t expect to sit a spell, and we didn’t know what to say to her, so we just listened until the time was right to say something more. In short, she came to us burdened, confused, and sad. She had just lost the love of her young life suddenly — without notice. A recent engagement, a new home, and a lifetime of hopes and dreams for a family all disappeared in an instant. Just like that, her “’til death do us part” was now. She needed to talk that day, but not with a therapist — with us. Thirty minutes later, our appointment was over. We laughed, hugged, and went our separate ways.
Have you ever felt that tug? If so, what did you do about it? These meetings aren’t coincidental; they’re divinely ordained. How we respond matters.
Is there anything better than that feeling?
I do feel those tugs often – I try to quieten myself – because there are sometimes pulls to say ‘no’ also. Knowing what nurtures me, or what is not nurturing me, I guess is how I judge whether or not I need to go. And a walk in nature can be just what we need to rejuvenate 😉 I’m glad you joined your friend and got some fresh (albeit hot) air xx
Thanks for sharing the love, my friend. <3
I feel them a lot anymore. That need to do something. I really enjoyed this.
Thanks, Sarah. Listen to those tugs. 🙂
Wondeful post, Michelle, and a great reminder! 🙂
Thanks, Anna!
I’ve felt that tug many times. It’s the soul or spirit waring against the flesh of course! I am learning to be more mindful to have my spirit man win more of these mini battles than my flesh! Lol! This post reminds me that I have not seen my bestie in a very long time. What I wouldn’t do for a long walk with her right now. I miss her so….Thanks for this one!☺️
Thanks for reading, Chanel. The struggle is real. Reach out to your friend. I’m sure you’ll both benefit from a visit.
Lots of times, I guess, especially back in 2012 when I felt that many things were meant for a reason.
What was so significant about 2012?
Well, more like late December and then the whole 2012. It’s a long story to get into. The gist is this: My parents fell really ill (he was diagnosed with kidney failure and had to go on dialysis; she had a mild stroke; both have had diabetes though his was acquired). 2012 was also when I fell in love…There were so many things happening then that I knew they weren’t coincidental.
For instance, I told God a long time ago that if my parents were to go and that there wouldn’t be anyone (save for my sister who already started her own family) I would leave behind–a boyfriend, husband, child–I wouldn’t mind if he took me from this world, too (I was being practical, really). But who should enter my life then? The now-husband. There were other instances, too, like when I would be thinking/worrying that there was no money anymore to buy much-needed medicine for my mother or my father. I would just happen to open my drawer and rummage through stuff for something else and voila! I would find money tucked somewhere there. I may (because I do that) or may not have kept them there intentionally, but forgotten or not, I knew every time they were not coincidental…
I guess these examples weren’t exactly “tugs” but more like Fate, I guess…? Although if I hadn’t thought of safekeeping money, I wouldn’t have them later to help me. And especially, if I hadn’t given meeting someone a chance through those trying months taking care of my parents and worrying about my job, I wouldn’t be with the Love of My Life today. Or maybe I would, but God decided to lessen my grief and sadness by bringing someone new in my life.
He takes care of his children. He wants us to run to him and cast our cares on him. I pray for those who don’t believe. Thanks for sharing! <3
Amen! God is sufficient! <3
Hmm, I think I am experiencing one of the tugging tug of the war moments and searching for all the reasons to weasel out. Reading this is a great support.
Thanks, my dear Sister. We are so much mightier than weasels…lol. And chickens, so don’t chicken out either. 😀
Reblogged this on Two Are Better Than One and commented:
Repost — Some appointments are simply divine.
I feel these times often and I make myself go because you never know who needs to see you and what good you’ll experience.
I’m obedient to those tugs too. He wants to use you in some way. Why not go see what he wants? 🙂
Reblogged this on DREAM BIG DREAM OFTEN and commented:
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Thanks, Danny!
Thank you!! 😀
I know I have felt that tug on occasion but have been too busy with the stuff of life to pay attention to it. It’s something that I need to work on for sure. Knowing that God may be speaking makes it more urgent.
Great point! If we see the tugs from that perspective, we’re more apt to pay attention.
I have experienced these moments many times. I always end up happy that I listened to my intuition.
I’ve learned that this is the holy spirit speaking to you. It’s great to have that connection. Blessings to you! <3
Wow I love the concept of divine appointments. I have had several of them and they made great networking relationships or it made for a good connection in other ways. It just goes to show you the tug is God way of saying “Just Do It” be obedient or you will be sorry. Glad you can be there for a friend!
Amen. He is always with us, Kiwi. He wants us to be his hands and feet. The woman we ministered to was a stranger. I hope we see her again. I’d love to know how she’s doing. Blessings to you! <3
I’m learning to listen to that little inner voice and most times that I followed through, it’s always been a worthwhile experience.
Amen!