A Closer Look at Serendipity

"There are two ways to live: you can live as if nothing is a miracle; you can live as if everything is a miracle." —Albert Einstein

I grew up loving miracle and "wonder" stories.  What kid doesn't?

What is a miracle? A miracle means that the laws of nature are broken and transcended. The "regular" structure of the universe is altered, and a miracle occurs. A "wonder," by contrast, is entirely above nature; the very concept of nature is meaningless.

The common use of the word is associated with a supernatural event or occurrence. Another way to see it is as a natural occurrence that has too many unexplained "wows."

The great Chassidic master Rabbi Yisroel Baal Shemtov spent his life teaching children how to observe and treat all that transpires as a "miracle." How? By focusing on why things unfold the way they do.

When we see, hear and experience something, and we recognize the deeper story behind what we are observing, we are witnessing a miracle of sorts.

Consider the times you found yourself somewhere you did not intend to be and, as a result, you met someone you have not seen in years. These types of stories are happening all the time, to some it is  described as "serendipity," "an aptitude for making desirable discoveries by accident." And to some it is called a "miracle."  Which one is right?

My mother, G-d bless her, raised us with the "miracle" version.

For example, as a child, I was taught that every encounter has meaning. Words that are said to us by others, even if they are not pleasing to our ears, can be important messages that we need to hear and that can assist us in our journey. When we approach life this way, we make every encounter a learning experience, and each person who delivers a message is a teacher of sorts.

As the great sage Rabbi Ben Zoma taught: "Who is Wise? He who learns from every person, as it is written, 'From all those who have taught me I have gained wisdom.'"

Also, the ancient sages of Judaism taught, "One who learns from his fellow a single chapter, or a single law, or a single verse, a single statement, or a single word, or even a single letter, must show him honor ... he must treat him with respect." (Avot, Ch 6.3)

By seeing every person we meet as teachers in our life's journey, we gain a natural respect for those who played the momentary, yet very timely, "teacher" role in our lives.

Imagine a world where all of Humankind has this special awareness, sensitivity and respect for their fellow man. Do you see the miracle? Or is it a wonder?