Do You Believe in Angels? God? Miracles?
How do you explain serendipity–those amazing coincidences that happen out of the blue; and looking back, you realize it was absolutely perfect? As much as we try to explain such events, logic defies it.
Some say serendipity is a type of coincidence where “God remains anonymous.” My sister calls it providence. Whether we call it God, true self, higher self, wisdom, spirit, or the universe, it’s tough to describe the source of such unerring guidance. (Click here for more about sources of positive power.)
An Angel? Really??
Kasey Claytor’s The Light of Grace offers an intriguing portrait of how serendipity might work. A newly minted angel named Grace is given four humans from different historic eras to guide. Throughout their lives, she watches over them lovingly and helps when necessary.
For example, she enters their thoughts when they pray, meditate, or savor a scene of beauty. At such moments, they often receive an uncanny insight leading to greater fulfillment and happiness.
But, Angel Grace offers other help beyond merely influencing thoughts. For example, she comes to Earth temporarily as a priest named Father Timothy (this is very unusual behavior for an angel, but she finds it necessary). Garth, one of the men under Grace’s care, is instantly drawn to this priest who inspires him when his path is temporarily blocked. After Father Timothy disappears, Grace continues to guide Garth as he becomes one of the great spiritual teachers of his time.
A Life-Changing Moment of Serendipity
Perhaps you’ve experienced the hand of serendipity as I did when I first saw Jane Stallings. As I listened to her speech at Stanford, her combination of charisma and intellect captivated me. I knew I wanted to work with her, and I soon got the opportunity. For the next years, Jane’s influence on my life was angelic.
At that time, I spent every evening at a local bar. This seemed like normal behavior to me; but not to Jane, as she often phoned at night about some work detail, only to find me less than coherent. One day, Jane looked me in the eye and gently suggested that there was something unsettled in me. Underneath those words, I heard, “There’s a part of you that’s broken, and it shows.”
Jane’s comments pierced my illusion that attracting men, earning good grades, and being well liked were hiding my pain. As I grew under her influence, I was inspired to become an educational researcher, professor, and author. But, Jane’s biggest gift was introducing me to A Course in Miracles —a spiritual teaching that opened my heart and mind to recover from alcoholism and my past wounds.
Since that time, I’ve received other serendipitous guidance. For example, running into my future husband at a meeting I only rarely attended; friends suggesting just the right editor, typesetter, and proofreader for my book; the perfect therapist at just the right time. Too many to list.
Looking back at my own human journey, l can see the mark of serendipity’s perfect order–perhaps lovingly orchestrated by the hand of my own Angel Grace. But, who really knows?
What are some of your most important serendipitous moments? I’d love to read about them!
Gigi Langer is a former “Queen of Worry.” She’s also an educator, speaker, and author of 50 Ways to Worry Less Now: Reject Negative Thinking to Find Peace, Clarity, and Connection, winner of the 2018 Indie Excellence Award. Available through Amazon (5 stars), Barnes and Noble, and e-book sites.
Langer holds a PhD in Psychological Studies in Education and an MA in Psychology, both from Stanford. As Georgea M. Langer, she has published several books for teachers and school administrators.
