Did you ever watch “That Girl” on television, either when it originally aired or via one of the oldies re-runs channels?

In one of my favorite episodes, “Ann Marie,” played by Marlo Thomas, goes to an elegant business event with long-time boyfriend, “Donald Hollinger,” played by Ted Bessell. In this episode, Ann was hesitant to attend the event, not knowing anyone there and feeling uncertain what to talk about with the other guests.

Upon arriving, Donald encouraged her to “go mingle.” Ann quickly realized that the noise level of the event prohibited people from carrying on meaningful conversations. In her humorous yet gracious way, Ann walked up to various groups and used conversational tones while saying, “Here a mingle (nods at one guest), there a mingle (nods at another guest, then takes in the entire group as she ends with), everywhere a mingle-mingle.” Not really listening, or not being able to hear, they would nod in reply, as though she had said something brilliant. She would then head off and repeat the process with another group.

The above scene from “That Girl” often comes to mind when I enter a “church-wide fellowship.” As a woman at church without a spouse, I often have the same hesitancy about entering a room where I know few if any people! But I know that fellowship with other believers is important, and so I go. I “mingle.” I leave early.

Yesterday my new church had its annual community-wide outreach—a patriotic service sharing the Gospel, honoring Veterans, and culminating in a ginormous picnic, car show, and play area with huge inflatables for the kids. I desperately wanted to attend this post-service event, but did not want to go alone. “Here a mingle, there a mingle” is just a little out of place in a picnic atmosphere!

A lady from my Bible study, Pat, told me last week that she would also be at the middle service. However, I neglected to ask her at that time if I could join her for the picnic.

As I exited the auditorium and entered the large foyer, I sincerely prayed silently in my heart, becoming totally oblivious to anything or anyone, “Lord, you know I desire to enjoy the fellowship and fun of this picnic. There are thousands of people here, but please help me find Pat. Thank You, Lord.” I slowly blinked as if in a silent “Amen.” As I mentally re-entered the world around me, and just as my blink ended, Pat walked right in front of me!

I instantly thought of Matthew 10:29-31:

“What is the price of two sparrows—one copper coin? But not a single sparrow can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it. And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows.”

These verses reminded me that my loving God cares about every need that I have. I cannot escape His care! If He knows what’s going on in the life of a little sparrow (and He does), and if He can help me find a new acquaintance in a vast crowd of people (and He can—and did), then He can care for every need I face in this week!

By the way, yes, I enjoyed the picnic! So I’ll leave the “mingling” to the flock of sparrows. I have friendships to form and fellowships to attend!

______________________________________

Thank you for taking time to read “Mingling with Sparrows.” Feel free to leave a comment!