but now I see.....

T'was Grace that taught my heart to fear.
And Grace, my fears relieved.
How precious did that Grace appear
The hour I first believed.

It was December. I had been put up in a restored hotel in Alexandria, not far from the airport. I studied for the interview late into the night and again when I awoke the next morning. I left the hotel wrapped in my warmest dress coat, a brisk cold walk for the King Street Metro---suitcase awheel behind me. I entered the train somewhere in the middle, chose a seat on the second row, nervously looking forward to being done with the inquisition that awaited.

In the end, I got the job. Which means that I must have passed the interview. Ironically however, I can't remember the faces of anyone who interviewed me or any question I was asked in great detail, really. But, what I cannot forget is what occurred when the doors opened to admit the next group of Metro patrons at Braddock Road.

A blind man entered, white stick in hand. He purposely avoided the designated "handicapped" seating, clambered past the first row, turned to me, smiled, and asked:

"Is this seat taken?" He sat next to me, the doors closed, and the car rumbled forward. He felt my suitcase at his knee,

"are you traveling?"

"yes, I am in town for an interview."

"Where are you interviewing today?"

Response..."(insert name of government agency)"

"Really? Which Division?"

Response... "(insert division name within government agency)"

"Really? I work at (that very division, in that very agency) Do you know who will be conducting your interview?"

"No." "Gulp" "Can this really be happening," I wonder.

"Well, I will not be interviewing anyone today, but (so and so) probably will be, along with (so and so) ... Tell them you know me, that we met this morning, and be sure to stop by my office after your interview."

The conversation continued for a while along those lines and was utterly enjoyable. We discovered other common friends, interests, and experiences. A few stops later I exited the train to drop off my luggage. I stood on the platform at L'Enfant and watched it whisk away, taking with it the fear that had been resting in my heart for days. Besieged in an array of hurried scarfs, drab briefcases, and indifferent trenchcoats, I felt warm. I knew that I was known to God, that my life's direction was not happenstance, and that all things are measured.

And Grace, my fears relieved....

As the sparrow which cannot fall unknown to Him, neither I would confront a future exclusive or unaccompanied. Manifest beautifully that crisp morning---the Master's awareness. Yes, He was aware of me, even my exact location, the time, the date, and the place, to the hour, the minute, and even the very second.

"How precious did that Grace appear, The hour I first believed..."

I may not speak for those who surrounded me on the platform that morning, as I am certain they did not perceive the miracle which I had experienced. But I will never doubt the loving nature and majesty of a God whose grace was illustrated in the eyes of a blind man, amid congested pedestrian traffic, on the middle of the Blue train on its way from Braddock Road.