Trust the Timing of Every Connection

I believe in the power of relationships—and I believe we meet the people in our lives at exactly the right time. Sometimes that person is a gift. Sometimes they’re a challenge. But always, they’re there for a reason.

Growing up, I was one of the outcasts. In elementary and middle school, I was never invited to sit with the cool kids and was always picked last for team sports. Honestly, I wouldn’t have picked me either—at least not for baseball. (Thankfully, I became a fitness fanatic later.)

I’ve experienced relationships that changed everything. I met my husband through Deb, someone I was partnered with at a Bible study. We were paired as prayer buddies and became close friends. Early on, she introduced me to Michael Dunn. It wasn’t love at first sight. We started out as cycling buddies and eventually began dating. I was seeing someone else at the time, but after that first kiss, I knew this was something different. We even broke up once before finding our way back to each other. Like many lasting relationships, ours didn’t begin with fireworks—but with friendship, timing, and a connection that kept calling us back.

I’ve also leaned on people during the hardest moments of my life. When my mom passed away, my neighbor, Libby, was there to hold me at 2 a.m. That kind of love is unforgettable. We don’t talk much now—just an occasional Christmas card—but in that moment, she was my rock.

Sometimes connections unfold in the most unexpected ways. Just this week, I rejoined Heather’s Wednesday Walking Group. As I walked, I thought back to July 3 last year—almost to the day—when I first met my now-podcast cohost, Regina Taute. We hit it off immediately. I slowed my usual fast pace just to keep talking. That one walk led to coffee, then a Zoom call, and soon after, we brought her podcast—Leaderish: Leadership Lessons Straight Up—back to life. To date, we’ve recorded 23 episodes and have many more in the works.

Not every relationship is easy or joyful. Some are downright difficult. And in those moments, it’s hard to ask, “What am I meant to learn from this?” Sometimes the lesson comes later. Sometimes the goal is simply to respond with grace when you feel hurt. And sometimes, it’s about finding compassion for someone who doesn’t make it easy.

My takeaway? Be open. Trust that the people you meet—whether it’s a stranger on a plane, a former friend, or a new neighbor—are there for a reason. The reason might be small, or it might change your life. Either way, show up. Be the friend you wish others would be. You never know the ripple you’re creating.