About fifteen years ago, I attended a Catholic men’s retreat that changed the way I view life’s “coincidences.” I had told a friend how a series of strange events led me to the retreat, part of the Catholic Cursillo movement. He smiled and gently corrected me: “A coincidence is when God chooses to remain anonymous.”
That truth hit me like a two-by-four to the noggin. We often encounter Holy Spirit moments when we least expect them—moments that shape our faith and remind us that our prayers are always answered, just in God’s time and in ways we can’t foresee.
When we pray for strength, we might expect divine lightning to strike us with instant courage. Instead, I believe God places us in situations where that strength can grow.
One such moment came recently during a conversation with the owner of the South Shore Press. We talked business, then shifted to our $10,000 “Random Act of Kindness” contest—send your stories to news@southshorepress.com or tag #SuffolkKindness on Twitter.
Our talk turned to relationships. I asked about the key to a lasting one, and once again, I was struck by another simple truth. “It’s an equation,” he said. “Pure joy and happiness come from loving with a servant’s heart—serving without expecting anything in return. On the other end of the spectrum is expectation. I’m happiest when I’m serving.”
Wow. It really is that simple. My wife Ashley and I have our moments, but after nearly ten years of marriage, our love thrives on service, not expectation.
Sure, the contest offers big prizes, but my hope is that kindness itself becomes the reward—that Suffolk County fills with hearts ready to serve, love, and lift others.
I’m trying my best. I hope you do the same.