Serendipity is the faculty of making fortunate discoveries by accident. The word came into existence from a Persian fairy tale about the three Princes of Serendip. In their travels these three princes make their greatest discoveries and gain most of their insights by accident.
Rudy GrayActually, serendipity is something we experience as a byproduct. It comes as a result of doing something else. The discovery or blessing is something that comes to us because of something else we were doing.
The discovery of penicillin was serendipity. Sir Alexander Fleming left some petri dishes open containing staphylococci bacteria. The mold that was formed was examined more closely and a startling discovery was made. He wasn’t trying to discover penicillin – it just happened. What were the odds of that happening? They were about 500 to 1.
Happiness is serendipity. No one discovers happiness by looking for it. We experience happiness as a result of something else. Happiness comes from the root word “hap,” which means chance or circumstances. When favorable things “happen” to us we are happy but when unfavorable things happen to us, we are not happy. We can have joy because that comes from God, but happiness is based on favorable happenings.
Several years ago, John David Garcia wrote a book called “Psychofraud and Ethical Therapy.” In it, he stated a very useful principle, “The pursuit of happiness as an end in itself leads only to unhappiness. Happiness can only come about indirectly by leading a meaningful, purposeful life.”
A couple of weeks ago, I misplaced my paycheck. I couldn’t find it anywhere. I was upset with myself and what I considered an irresponsible act. I normally put my check in my pocket and deposit it in the bank. But on this day, it wasn’t in my pocket. I felt like it was lost. Then, I opened my Bible and there was my check! For some reason I placed it in my Bible, and when I opened the Bible I found my check. I am not suggesting we can always find money or checks by opening our Bibles. However, I am convinced that a great serendipity of learning the Word is growth in our relationship with Christ Jesus.
Matthew 6:33 is a great serendipity. “Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness; and all these things hall be added to you.” We find our greatest blessings in life by not seeking blessings at all but seeking Christ above everything else. When we do, we discover wonderful blessings!