Life is full of surprises, and sometimes, God leads us to encounters that remind us of His faithfulness. Recently, I experienced one such moment—a reunion with an old friend from my youth in Korea. Looking back, I see that this was not a coincidence but a divine reminder that God has always been with me, even in difficult seasons.
I met this friend a few months before leaving Korea. It was a brief connection, yet it stayed in my heart for over three decades. I never imagined God would one day bring us back together so unexpectedly.
A Familiar Name Resurfaces
My mother often spoke about a kind Chinese doctor who cared for her. She told me how gentle and attentive he was, ensuring she received the best treatment. Hearing her praise him, I said we should visit together to thank him next time I was in Korea.
A few days ago, during a call with my brother, he mentioned the doctor’s name. It sounded familiar, but I wasn’t sure if he was the same person from my youth. I asked my brother not to say anything—I wanted to find out myself when I accompanied my mother.
However, my mother asked the doctor if he knew me, giving him my name. To my surprise, he immediately recognized it and was overwhelmed with emotion. He had wondered about me for years but never knew where I had gone. He was eager to reconnect.
A Voice from the Past
That same day, we spoke over the phone. Hearing his voice for the first time in 35 years felt surreal. Despite the time that had passed, our connection remained. We spoke at length, recalling the short but meaningful time we had spent together.
He told me he still had a photo I had given him when I first arrived in London. That picture, he said, was why he had never forgotten me. It was incredible that a friendship lasting only a few months had left such a lasting impact.
Remembering the Past with a New Perspective
As we talked, memories returned. He had been a great listener, someone I could share my dreams with. He wanted to become a Chinese doctor, and I dreamed of going abroad to chase my own dreams. We had encouraged each other in our aspirations.
Reflecting on this unexpected reunion, I realized something profound—I had spent so many years focusing only on the painful memories of my life in Korea. The hardships, the struggles, the loneliness—they had overshadowed everything else. But this encounter was a gentle reminder from God that my past was not solely defined by sorrow. There were also moments of kindness, friendships that brought warmth to my heart, and people who had been a blessing to me in ways I had not fully appreciated before.
A Shift in Perspective
For years, I had allowed the difficulties of my past to dominate my thoughts. I had looked back with regret, focusing on what had gone wrong and the pain I had endured. But through this reunion, God opened my eyes to a different perspective. He reminded me that even in my struggles, I was never truly alone. He had placed good people in my life, people who had cared for me, even if only for a short time.
It made me wonder—How often do we let past darkness blind us to the light that was also present? How often do we dwell on pain and overlook the blessings?
God’s Faithfulness Through the Years
As I reflected, gratitude filled my heart. My journey, though challenging, had also been touched by God’s love and provision. This wasn’t just about reconnecting with an old friend—it was a divine reminder that God had been with me all along.
Romans 8:28 came to mind: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Even when I felt lost and forgotten, God was working behind the scenes, weaving together pieces of my past.
A Prayer of Gratitude
That night, I prayed:
Father, I am sorry for focusing only on the hardships of my past. You were always there, placing people in my life who cared. Thank You for reminding me of Your faithfulness. Thank You for the friendships that brought warmth and for this reunion that reminded me of Your love.
I pray for my friend, who has carried a memory of me for years. Bless him, Lord. May he walk in the path You have set for him. May he know Your love and grace in every season. Help me always see Your goodness, even in places I once thought were only filled with sorrow. Let my heart be filled with gratitude, knowing You were there all along.
Looking Forward with Hope
We exchanged contact information and promised to meet when I visit Korea. I look forward to seeing him again, not just as an old friend, but as a reminder of God’s beautiful work in my life.
This reunion was more than a meeting—it was a testimony of God’s faithfulness. Even in places where we once felt abandoned, God was always present, guiding and preparing us for something greater.
Now, I choose to embrace the blessings of my past instead of dwelling on pain. I choose to see God’s hand in every chapter of my life. I am grateful for the people He placed along my path, knowing each one was part of His plan.
I am blessed, and I pray blessings upon all those who have been good to me. May we all continue to see God’s hand in our lives, even in the moments we least expect it.