Serendipity

“Love of Learning” was the theme of the conference I attended last weekend with women in formation from other Benedictine communities. At one point, we were asked to recall a time when we were excited about learning something new. For me, the memory that first came to mind was taking a calligraphy class with Mike O’Hare during my time at Benedictine College. My fascination with words extends to typography, so it was a pleasure to learn how to use the calligraphy tools, study the formation of letters, exercise discipline in practicing the lettering, and ultimately create something beautiful. “Huh,” I thought to myself. “Calligraphy is a meditative practice—maybe I should include it in my schedule during the novitiate.”

After I returned from the conference, Sr. Loretta McGuire asked if I could help her decorate a couple of cakes for the Dooley Center jubilee reception. She inquired as to whether I had “a good hand” and could write a couple of messages on paper doilies to place on top of the cakes. Thus, within three days after returning from the conference, I was presented with the opportunity to use my (rusty) calligraphy skills. I take this as confirmation that I should include calligraphy practice in my novitiate agenda.

Don’t you love the rare occasions when God delivers a direct message? I wonder, though, if those occasions aren’t as rare as we think. It might be that a connection exists between taking the time for contemplation/listening and our ability to pick up on what God might be suggesting to us. At any rate, it’s always a delight when God uses serendipity as a messenging tool!