Is there really such a thing as luck? Do things happen by chance? Whether it’s luck, coincidence, or ordained by God, it cannot be denied that some of us seem to have more good fortune than others. And while I’m thankful that I have the opportunity to live in a prosperous country, be in a caring relationship, and openly worship my God, others are clearly not so “lucky.”
Even Ecclesiastes 9:11 states, “I took another walk around the neighborhood and realized that on this earth as it is—The race is not always to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, nor satisfaction to the wise, nor riches to the smart, nor grace to the learned. Sooner or later bad luck hits us all.”
Irene was a newcomer to her village when her husband was shot and killed during a robbery. Devastated and left on her own, with one young child and another on the way, Irene’s life was changed forever. “Life was difficult in those early days,” says Irene, “I had to sell kale (a vegetable) door to door, often with my baby strapped on my back. My toddler could not go to school, because I couldn’t afford the school fees. . . . At the end of the month I was barely able to pay for my rent (US$10 per month) and buy food for the children.”
“Then, one day a friend of mine introduced me to [World Vision],” says Irene. She took out a loan of $255 and bought goods to set up a small shop. Within six months, she had repaid her loan and enrolled her daughter in kindergarten.
Not long after this, and with the help of a $500 loan, she opened a second shop which her unemployed brother could operate. Again, Irene was able to pay back her loan within 6 months.
In addition to her two stores, Irene also now runs a small taxi business. Her daughter Mary is a junior in high school, and her younger daughter is in primary school. Asked what her future plans are, Irene says, “Now I am saving up for a home of my own.”
Psychologist Richard Wiseman has studied the principles of good and bad luck. He conducted experiments which showed that we can actually influence our own luck. In fact, he identified four critical factors in those who are often “lucky.”
- Maximize chance opportunities
- Listen to your intuition
- Expect good fortune
- Turn good luck to bad
I found this list interesting because while we can choose how we respond to opportunity (#2), we can be hopeful and vigilant (#3) and we can take action when opportunity presents itself (#4), not everyone has the same chance opportunities(#1).
Irene’s story underscores the value that giving those chance opportunities provides to people who, through no fault of their own, have been “unlucky.” Irene had the skills, innovation and determination to succeed in life.
All she needed was a chance. Thanks for giving her one.
P.S. Happy St. Patrick’s day.
