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Every Little Thing by April Jeppson

Life is full of twists and turns, unexpected challenges and little miracles. One of the greatest mysteries, at least to me, is how people seem to enter our lives at exactly the right time. Some stay forever, becoming the family we choose, while others are here for just a season. Yet, each one leaves a mark, teaching us, guiding us and shaping our journey in ways we often don’t recognize until later.

I think about this often at work. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had a moment of panic wondering, “What am I going to do now?” Someone moves, quits or takes a step back to enjoy the beautiful chaos of grandkids and leisure. And there I am, holding the pieces, wondering how I’m going to keep it all together.

But here’s the thing: Time and time again, everything works out. Sure, the path is sometimes bumpy and unpredictable, but we always get there. And it’s not because of me or my amazing ability to juggle (though I do have a pretty good track record with multitasking). It’s because the right people show up when I need them.

I can’t help but think this isn’t an accident. In fact, it’s almost as if God is preserving certain people until I’m ready for them, or maybe until they’re ready for me. The timing is so precise that it feels like divine choreography. I’ll admit, it doesn’t always look that way in the middle of a mess. But hindsight has a funny way of revealing the pattern.

Think about it: your favorite people — those friends who feel like home, mentors who see the potential in you before you see it yourself, co-workers who make the tough days bearable — they just happen to be on this earth at the same time as you. That doesn’t feel like dumb luck. It feels like a gift.

God is at work in ways we can’t always see or understand, and he has a purpose in it. It’s a beautiful reminder that while we’re busy trying to figure everything out, God already has the map. And part of that map includes the people we meet along the way.

Some of them are there to push us forward when we’re stuck. Others remind us to slow down and enjoy the view. Some teach us hard lessons (the kind we’d rather not repeat), and others bring joy and light into our darkest days.

When I stop to think about it, I’m in awe. This intricate web of connections, the way our lives intersect at just the right moments — it’s nothing short of miraculous.

So, when someone new crosses my path, I try to remind myself: This is no coincidence. Whether they’re here for a season or a lifetime, there’s a reason they’re here now. And no matter how bumpy the road gets, I know we’ll find our way, together.

Albert Lean April Jeppson is a wife, mom, coach and encourager of dreams. Her column appears every Saturday.