The Grace of Serendipity

Auraria Neighborhood

You can have the other words- chance, luck, coincidence, serendipity. I’ll take grace. I don’t know what it is exactly, but I’ll take it.

Mary Oliver

Over the past few days, two extraordinary events unfolded, which I can only describe as acts of grace. The first was discovering a framed photo at a flea market, hidden among a treasure trove of forgotten items. The ethereal shadows of the trees, dancing across the exterior of the house, create a captivating scene that transports me to a bygone era. The photo bears a localaddress and is dated 1971, whispering tales from a time long past and sparking my curiosity about the families that once lived within those walls. I haven’t decided whether to investigate if the house still exists, as a part of me cherishes the mystery that surrounds it. Naturally, I purchased the photo and promptly hung it in my home, where it serves as a daily reminder of the beauty that can be found in unexpected places.

The second event was receiving an email about the book genre option for our March book club. It was poetry, which instantly sparked a world of endless possibilities. I knew right away that I would choose a book by Mary Oliver, a renowned poet known for her vivid imagery and straightforward language that often captures the beauty of nature and the depth of the human spirit. Her ability to translate life’s fleeting moments into powerful verses resonates with me, showcasing the intricate connections we share with the world around us. She has become my favorite contemporary American poet, and I eagerly anticipate reading her verse, knowing that each page will offer a new perspective and a wellspring of inspiration to reflect upon and discuss with my fellow book club members.

How do these two seemingly unrelated occurrences intertwine? I suppose it’s a matter of synchronicity, brought together by grace, that weaves in unexpected ways. Things that happen randomly without any apparent reason often hold deeper significance than we realize. This happens to me quite frequently, and over the years, I’ve come to embrace it. In this particular instance, I know that when I gaze at the shadows of the trees reflected against the house in the photo, I’ll be reminded of Mary Oliver’s profound admiration for nature and the vivid imagery she so skillfully captures in her writing. Her words effortlessly come to mind, harmonizing with the gentle rustle of leaves and the whisper of the wind, transporting me to a realm where nature and poetry coexist. This evokes a profound sense of peace and connection that lingers long after the moment has passed.

Peace be with you.