Synchronicity

Synchronicity: the simultaneous occurrence of events that appear significantly related but have no discernible causal connection.

The choir in Munich, at St. Joseph's Church

Last evening, in Munich, I had the most delightful experience of synchronicity. In the grand cathedral of St. Joseph’s church, I attended a choral concert featuring a whole gaggle of people whom I love and adore. 

First off, there is the director and composer, Mitchel Covington, who organized a group of nearly 100 singers for this concert. Mitchel premiered one of his choral pieces, Alleluia adorare, a sublime and spiritual invitation to awe. We were colleagues and friends for nearly 15 years of ministry in Berkeley. 

Two of the four soloists for the Requiem by Mozart are people I know. I first heard the soprano soloist, MacKenzie, when she began singing as a child at church. The bass soloist, Chad, has been a beloved part of my life for years. He and his husband Jody supported me through my divorce and so many chapters since. 

Then there was the choir. At least ¼ of the folks were people I knew from Berkeley. And then there is Paul, someone I have known since we were in the church nursery together. Two of the couples in the choir are folks I married – one 20 years and the other 22 years ago. 

Jane and me

During the concert, I sat with Jane, someone I met when we were both newlyweds. After a career as one of the first lead engineers at Chevron, she went to seminary and is now a pastor. Her husband, David, was singing in the choir. We had a good time catching up on family and ministry.

Many have asked how I happened to be in Munich at this particular time. The story is one of unexpected synchronicity. It started with my friend, Jennifer Lien, who lives in Duluth, MN. A few months ago, she wrote about staying with me while performing a concert in Cincinnati. When I told her I was going to be on sabbatical in Europe and the Middle East at that time, she asked if I was going to Germany. One thing led to another, and she mentioned that Mitchel would be conducting a choir as part of the Mozart in Salzburg International Choral Festival. So I wrote to Mitchell and the dates and location were in sync with the time I would be in Bavaria. 

I love experiences like this. The music was a balm to my soul. The reconnections with so many people I love were a blessing. The gift of God’s timing is a treasure I won’t forget.