Occasionally, we experience a moment so special we have to look away to keep from being blinded by the wonder of it. The Greeks call this a “Kairos moment,” which means “filled with vital significance.”
Several years ago I had such a moment when I received a telephone call from Frederick Buechner. For years, he has been one of my favorite authors. I never go through a Lenten season without rereading his book, “The Magnificent Defeat,” which clarifies in depth the crucifixion of Christ.
Earlier I had read Buechner’s spiritual memoir, “The Sacred Journey,” a delightfully readable book that catapulted me into a fuller understanding of my own life journey. I began to see my life not just as a trip through time but as a sacred experience.
Then one Christmas, my friend, Nelson Campbell, gave me a book of meditations by Buechner. Titled “Listen to Your Life,” the book had been compiled by George Conner, a former UTC professor. That little book seemed to be shouting to me, “Wake up! Take your life off automatic pilot. Recognize that God is speaking in your every moment, so listen to your life.”
Shortly thereafter, I saw a newspaper announcement that Buechner would be speaking at UTC. I was heartsick when I realized that a longstanding speaking engagement would keep me out of town on that evening. Conner suggested that they might be able to arrange a telephone interview. It seemed a long shot, and I hardly dared hope. Yet, 30 minutes after my return to Chattanooga, my telephone rang. The voice at the other end of the line asked, “Will you hold for Frederick Buechner?” Laughingly I thought, “Will I?”