Lucky and Blessed
Under the category of things I haven’t figured out (yet) is the distinction between lucky and blessed. People seem to use those words interchangeably, their choice seemingly owing to their comfort in explaining that which they experience, but for which they are not directly responsible.
Regardless of attribution, these moments, where the universe conspires in our favor, present themselves like a camera lens coming into crisp focus. The arduous is simplified. The elusive is revealed. The obstacle is removed. In these moments, we are grateful.
This gratitude begets a desire to honor the gift, acknowledge the fortune. Do we say we are lucky because we can’t abide the thought of a deity who plays favorites? Do we say we are blessed because surely such goodness could not be random?
What of bad luck? When fortune turns. We rarely hear people refer to being cursed. Rather it is simply “life” unfolding as life does on its less than fair (or totally fair) terms.
I began this by stating I am unresolved on the comparison of luck and blessing. Perhaps that will change one day. For now, I offer two observations about which I am more reasonably convinced.
First, life’s big questions, those we have only partial or unfinished answers for, reassure us of the mystery of life. It is through the amalgamate of mystery and curiosity that all broad-minded seeking begins.
Second, regardless of the source of the favor, a posture of gratitude reinforces humility and ensures we don’t take for granted the gifts we receive. Operating from this perspective, we are positioned to grow in understanding of our world…and how we may best contribute to another’s good fortune in it.
