Sometimes, if you allow yourself to be guided, you just may find connection in unexpected moments.

That’s exactly what happened to me.

It was at the end of this summer, on a typical Sunday evening, I was running my end-of -the-weekend trash drop off to our local landfill. My plan was to swing by the small convenience store nearby to pick up a bottle of wine on my way home. But just as I was about to head there, my daughter called.

She sounded amused and concerned as she told me our cat, Lulu, had decided to follow her and our dog, Georgie Girl, on their walk around the lake. She asked if I could meet them and bring Lulu back home.

So, I turned the car around. As I was pulling into our driveway, I thought, “Maybe I don’t need that wine tonight.” But as I shut off the car, I got a nudge: Go get that wine.

So… I started the car again and headed to the convenience store.

When I got there, I noticed two bikes propped up outside, covered in travel gear, soaked by the rain. Inside, I found two women—mother and daughter—huddled over their phones, clearly trying to find directions. Curiosity got the better of me, so I struck up a conversation.

A Remarkable Journey

Turns out, they were on a remarkable journey, biking all the way from Boston to Montreal. They were trying to make it to a state park a few towns over where they planned to camp for the night. But given the rainy night, I offered them something a bit more comfortable: a hot shower and a warm place to sleep at our house.

They looked at each other for a second, clearly weighing their options, before gratefully accepting. I drove home to announce to my husband and kids that we were hosting some last-minute guests. My daughter, ever the pragmatic one, immediately asked, “Mom, are you crazy? You don’t even know these people!”

New Friends

But within half an hour of their arrival, my husband was in the garage tuning up the daughter’s bike, and the mom and I were on the back porch, glasses of wine in hand, sharing stories. Eventually, the kids joined us as we prepared dinner together, turning what began as a quiet Sunday into a lively and lovely evening.

As we got to know each other, I learned about the mom’s amazing work. She had started a nonprofit in Boston to help Ukrainian refugees settle in the area, connecting them with essential resources and support. Her story was inspiring, and it stayed with me long after they pedaled away the next morning.

Since then, we’ve kept in touch, and I feel compelled to share this experience. It reminded me of how life nudges us in unexpected directions, often with no clear reason in the moment. That bottle of wine I wasn’t sure I needed, led to a chance encounter that became a beautiful memory—and a lasting connection.

I also wanted to share about Olga’s work. If you feel inspired, look into her organization and consider helping out or contributing to their cause. Her team is doing something extraordinary, and any support makes a difference.

​Olga’s List – helping Ukrainian refugees transition into their new lives

So, I leave you with this: Where in your life are you being guided? Are you noticing small signs that might lead to something beautiful? Or is this your moment to start paying closer attention?

Sometimes the path we’re meant to be on begins with a little nudge… and I’m so grateful I followed mine that rainy night.

Ready for more inspirational stories – Be sure to check out the rest of The Usual Magic Blog!