This month, Jewish people celebrate the holiday of Purim in which Queen Esther saved her people from annihilation. Was she aware of the power she harnessed to change such destiny? Life is very unpredictable. No one knows what the future holds.
After serving in the Israeli army, I set out to tour the USA on my own. During my trip, I visited the Farmer’s Market in Los Angeles. I walked inside one of the clothing shops to get away from the rain on that cold January day. After small talk with the shop owner, he said:” Have I got a boy for you!” Of course, I declined right away. The thought of me staying in America was preposterous. After a while, I agreed to give him my phone number. That was 40 years ago. Dennis and I have been married for 40 wonderful years.
What if I didn’t visit here? What if it didn’t rain that day? What if he never called? What if I didn’t answer the call? So many variables aligned perfectly to create this life that would have been so different otherwise. Our four amazing sons wouldn’t be who they are. I wouldn’t be teaching in Santa Clarita for 36 years.
Call it serendipity or coincidence, I call it divine intervention. I believe that there is a reason we meet some people on our journey, but ultimately the choices we make guide us to be exactly where we need to be.
With an open mind and a willingness to explore the unknown, a world of limitless new opportunities awaits us. Life changing miracles happen all around us every day, from the simple to the complicated, and from the easy to understand to the profound. We just have to look around. Miracles are hidden in the most unlikely places and found when you least expect them.
When the opportunity arises, will you answer your call?
Naomi Young is an educator of Jewish studies. She’s also a writer and artist. Contact her at naomiyoung7@yahoo.com and see her art website www.naomiyoung.com