Serendipity -- a happy accident, pleasant surprise or finding something good or useful without looking for it. How many times has this happened to you? Not large, life changing events, but instead something that lifts your spirits?

Yesterday I had two such moments. The first came as I walked by a commercial booth set up at a plant sale. The brightly colored sunglasses caught my eye so I stopped to have a closer look. Wayfarer-style sunglasses in lime green, bright yellow and turquoise. The man asked if I’d like a pair and I said it would be difficult to decide which color I wanted. “No problem, take one of each. They’re free!” And so I did.

Free sunglasses in lime green, bright yellow and turquoise (brighter than it shows in the picture)

I love sunglasses and have multiple pairs and these colorful little numbers will be so much fun to wear. That was my first serendipitous moment.

The second came when I walked into a hair salon for a quick bangs trim and discovered that the woman who cut and colored my hair several years ago is once more working in that shop. After we both did a double-take and hugged each other, I learned she’s back in the area and will be working there. She’s the best; haven’t liked my haircuts and color since she moved away. Now this really made my day.

 I believe good things often happen when we are not seeking them out. There used to be an old saying that went something like this: “He/she will never find a wife/husband became he/she is looking too hard.” That saying might apply to many situations in our lives.

People, especially along the Gulf Coast of the United States, sometimes refer to such a “gift” as  a lagniappe, although the true meaning of that word is a small gift given to a customer by a merchant at the time of a purchase  -- such as a 13th doughnut when buying a dozen.

So whatever those moments were, the two events made my steps lighter yesterday.

What about you? Do you have serendipitous moments? Do you think we strive too hard to make things happen and if we would just relax and forget about it, good things will come? Interesting thoughts. I’d like yours.