When God Winks Over Soup and Salad

Have you ever been stunned by the way God moves in your life, how He suddenly answers a prayer in such a personal way that it leaves you in disbelief?

That kind of moment is what I like to call a Godwink, a term coined by bestselling author Squire Rushnell in his book When God Winks: How the Power of Coincidence Guides Your Life. Rushnell describes a Godwink as a small but undeniable sign of divine intervention, a moment that reminds you God is near, listening and actively working in the details of your life.

That was me yesterday, sitting in a cozy Atlanta café, ready to enjoy a simple lunch of soup and salad. I had just taken my second bite of curry lentil soup when a woman named Anne, a white woman in her late 60s, approached my table and asked if she could join me.

I hesitated for a moment. I didn’t know her and I had planned to read quietly during lunch. But something in me felt prompted to say yes.

A Conversation That Changed My Afternoon

What began as a brief exchange turned into a two-hour conversation. Anne shared that she was a recent widow and a mother of two. I noticed the cross on her necklace, which told me about her faith without her needing to say it. I introduced myself, and soon we were deep in conversation about everything: Bible study, books, family, aging, caregiving, grief and the different ways we each navigate life’s transitions.

She was full of wisdom and I found myself soaking up every word.

The timing of our meeting was nothing short of divine. Just 24 hours earlier, I had met with my spiritual director, who shared a word and scripture from God for me to reflect on. It was a message about endurance, faith, and trusting God during uncertain times. This is timely, especially as I navigate challenges in my career journey and personal life.

My spiritual director reminded me of the Israelites and their journey to the Promised Land. Geographically, it was a short distance, but it took them 400 years of trials, waiting and growth to reach their destination. Even in that long process, God never abandoned them. After our session, I prayed for God to bring clarity to what she had shared.

When God Confirms His Word

Fast forward to lunch with Anne. As we wrapped up, we promised to pray for each other. Before leaving, she pulled out her phone and said, “Can I share today’s devotional with you? It’s from the local newspaper.”

The devotional was about how every challenge carries a lesson and a purpose. And when I looked closer, I saw it referenced the same scripture about the Israelites that my spiritual director had shared with me the day before.

I was speechless. “Oh wow,” I said. “I was just talking about this scripture yesterday!” We both smiled, knowing this moment wasn’t a coincidence. It was a Godwink.

After we parted ways, I stopped by the library to pick up a book I had on hold. While there, I printed the newspaper clipping so I could reflect on it and keep it in my prayer corner, a tangible reminder that God is listening, providing and always working behind the scenes.

Meeting Anne was an answered prayer, a gentle confirmation that God sees me. And for that, I thank both Anne and God for speaking wisdom into my life over soup and salad.

This experience reminded me not to be afraid to reach out and befriend a stranger. Sometimes, a simple yes can turn into a moment of hospitality and fellowship, full of insight, warmth and unexpected connection. Life has a way of surprising us when we are open to noticing, listening and connecting.

Have you ever experienced a moment that felt like a little nudge or meaningful coincidence, a “Godwink” in your own life? Tell me in the comments below.

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