Vampires, Mummies and the Holy Ghost

What do those three things have in common? If you said that they are the things that scare Jimmy Buffett the most, you'd be correct!
There's a second commonality, however, which is the reason for this post. Until recently, I wasn't sure if any of the three existed. Although I've still never seen a mummy and I've yet to be bitten by a vampire (probably due to all the garlic Kristen and I consume) I think the holy spirit and I have crossed paths. Probably multiple times but once in particular that comes to mind.
Now this story involves two main people. I write this blog and therefore am totally cool with the idea of this being online for all four of you to read. The second person I'm not so sure about, so he'll be referred to as simply "friend." Creativity at its finest.
So this friend of mine has had a rough couple of years. Some issues entirely in his control, others entirely out of his control. Kristen and I have been praying for guidance in his life as he seems to be lost as far as walking with God is concerned. Totally understandable to me, as I was a bit lost myself just about a year ago. So we had been praying for guidance and change in his life and then found out he was coming to visit for a long weekend. My prayers quickly included my own guidance as I was unsure what part I could play in the situation. With my background, the last thing I want to do is start preaching to someone who isn't ready to hear it. This happened many times in my past and if anything, caused me to take a step back rather than forward. I prayed that God take control of the situation and use me however he saw fit.
So the visit happens and we have a good time. Good food, the beach, conversation, all that good stuff. Sunday comes and we go to Port City as is always the case and he enjoys it. Mike's message that day is about starting or continuing your walk with God. Fitting, don't you think?
That night he goes with Kristen and I to volleyball and then to Dairy Queen (can I get an Amen for Peanut Buster Parfaits?). On the way home we somehow got onto the topic of a friend of his who passed away a couple of years ago after being hit by a drunk driver and how this ties into the Christian idea of everything happening for a reason. He was struggling with this for obvious reasons and was questioning a God who would let these things happen.
Without thinking I asked him three questions:
How many people where positively influenced by her death?
What kind of life did she lead up to her death?
If there is indeed a heaven, is it safe to say she's in a much better place now?
His answers:
Hundreds, a great life, yes.
I pointed out that maybe this was God's master plan for her. She led a great life, influenced hundreds of people with her passing and now is enjoying paradise in heaven. I much prefer this explanation than the alternative, that she was killed for no reason. He was nodding in agreement and thinking about this idea.
So where does the Holy Spirit come in? Well, during our small group meeting on Monday night I told this story and talked about the fact that it could have influenced my friend's walk with God, but also talked about how the things I spoke about surprised even me. This idea of everything happening for a reason has been a struggle in my life and now here I was, explaining this to my friend and in the same breath, explaining it to myself. I wasn't sure where these ideas even came from. One of the guys in the group explained it pretty clearly for me. "Now that," he said, "is the holy spirit working in your heart." Well said John. Well said indeed.