Mark Wenz
The Oxford English Dictionary defines “serendipity” as “the occurrence and development of events by chance in a happy or beneficial way.” But are such events the result of more than mere chance? Can serendipity be understood within a spiritual framework?
Have certain meaningful events in your life felt “meant to be”? Certainly, in my own life, this has been true. When I met both my first and second wives, the energy that pulled me toward them went beyond physical attraction. In both cases it felt to me like God had placed these women in my path so that I could continue my spiritual evolution.
I also felt a feeling of “meant to be” when the complacency I was feeling while working at a resort in Scottsdale was shattered when my “cool” boss was fired and replaced by a wantonly cruel and authoritarian person. After experiencing his tirades for a month, I decided I couldn’t bear his cruelty, and I impulsively quit. This occurred at a time when I was living paycheck to paycheck and feeding a wife and two young children. I was distraught and worried, but my intuition (which I believe receives guidance from God) told me that I was doing the right thing. Having received my teaching certificate a few months before, I interviewed for jobs, got hired, and began my career as a middle school English teacher. I subsequently taught at the same school for the next 33 years and was honored by the Tempe Diablos with a Lifetime Achievement Award before I retired.
Was my decision to quit my job at the resort mere impulsivity or was I being guided to embark on the spiritual path intended for me? The cynical view would be that I should count myself as the recipient of nothing beyond good luck. However, I believe this example of serendipity was part of a divine plan for me rather than mere happenstance.
Numerous believers and theologians describe serendipity as existing within a religious/spiritual context. As a religious concept, serendipity refers to the idea that certain events or experiences are not merely coincidences but are orchestrated or guided by a higher power. It is often viewed as a favor of God, indicating that divine guidance influences our paths and experiences. Some see serendipity as a gift of finding available things not actively sought for, symbolizing the unexpected blessings in life and a manifestation of God’s grace. Other interpretations suggest that serendipitous events are manifestations of God’s delight and favor, enriching our lives with joy and purpose. For many religious thinkers and seekers, serendipity embodies the idea that life can be filled with surprises and meaningful connections, reflecting a deep spiritual significance: insight.org, jodelights.com, myconcretedove.com. All of these ideas ring true for me.
If you heed God’s guidance through your intuition, serendipitous events may just come your way. What a blessing and reason for gratitude this can be!