Serendipity: An instance of making a delightful and unexpected discovery.
~American Heritage Dictionary~
(Image from my personal collection)
Etymology: In 1754, Horace Walpole (1717-92) coined the word, serendipity. In a letter to Mr. Mann he said he formed it from the Persian fairy tale, "The Three Princes of Serendip," whose heroes "were always making discoveries, by accident or sagacity, of things they were not in quest of." The name is from Serendip, an old name for Ceylon (modern Sri Lanka), from Arabic Sarandib, from Skt. Simhaladvipa "Dwelling -Place-of-Lions Island." Serendipitous form c. 1950.
~Online Etymology Dictionary~
(Image from my personal collection)Etymology: In 1754, Horace Walpole (1717-92) coined the word, serendipity. In a letter to Mr. Mann he said he formed it from the Persian fairy tale, "The Three Princes of Serendip," whose heroes "were always making discoveries, by accident or sagacity, of things they were not in quest of." The name is from Serendip, an old name for Ceylon (modern Sri Lanka), from Arabic Sarandib, from Skt. Simhaladvipa "Dwelling -Place-of-Lions Island." Serendipitous form c. 1950.
~Online Etymology Dictionary~
Serendipity Sunday is something I have been thinking about adding to my blog for quite some time now. Often I can be going about my daily quest of the task at hand when suddenly and unexpectedly I make a delightful discovery about some truth from Scripture. At times it is made real before me in everyday acts and observations, other times it is while I am reading my Bible. I believe the Lord speaks to us in many ways and any discovery we make is indeed a serendipitous one. In these Sunday posts I will share some of the discoveries or observations I have made. I invite you to join me on my journey of serendipity.
SOUL'S GIFT
SOUL'S GIFTby Sandy Babb
August 10, 2002
Did you ever catch a glimpse of the early morning sun,
aimed in such a way that it casts a golden glow?
Illumined was the object upon which it hit,
warmed by a kiss from the sun which shone up it.
Beauty in the brightness, sparkling glow,
that was a gift that warmed my soul.
Ordinary were the objects being shone upon,
yet when touched by the sun,
they took on a different form,
which made them seem above the norm.
So it is with us you see,
when the Son, Jesus, shines upon we.
No longer ordinary in our use,
this is something only the Master's touch can produce.
Upon acceptance of Christ in our heart, no longer common are we,
we become princes and princess', children of the King.
Warmed by the kiss of ruby red blood which flowed from Him,
He gave us new life to begin.
Beauty in the brightness, sparkling glow,
this is a gift that warmed my soul.
August 10, 2002
Did you ever catch a glimpse of the early morning sun,
aimed in such a way that it casts a golden glow?
Illumined was the object upon which it hit,
warmed by a kiss from the sun which shone up it.
Beauty in the brightness, sparkling glow,
that was a gift that warmed my soul.
Ordinary were the objects being shone upon,
yet when touched by the sun,
they took on a different form,
which made them seem above the norm.
So it is with us you see,
when the Son, Jesus, shines upon we.
No longer ordinary in our use,
this is something only the Master's touch can produce.
Upon acceptance of Christ in our heart, no longer common are we,
we become princes and princess', children of the King.
Warmed by the kiss of ruby red blood which flowed from Him,
He gave us new life to begin.
Beauty in the brightness, sparkling glow,
this is a gift that warmed my soul.
NOTE: This poem was inspired by a slant of morning sunlight shining into my kitchen pantry. It hit the row of glass containers and wall in such a way that it held breathtaking beauty. The objects being shone upon were common ordinary everyday objects but the light made them glow. It reminded me of a song that says, "illumine me Savior Divine." The illumination of Christ upon an ordinary object lends it to become something so much more than it was. It holds great potential and breathtaking beauty after Christ has transformed it. It truly is a gift that warms the soul.
This week, may serendipity find you when you least expect it!
Blessings,
Miss Sandy
This week, may serendipity find you when you least expect it!
Blessings,
Miss Sandy
5 comments:
And I'll be watching for it, too!
Isn't entymology interesting? I enjoyed that little history lesson on the word "serendipity."
Have a wonderful Sunday, Miss Sandy!
Hahahahahaha...I can't spell for beans and now I've come up with something for insects...well, you KNOW what I mean!
After six months in the care of Hospice at our home, my Mother and best friend passed away three weeks ago. Our beloved hospice RN had stepped out to the flower garden to give our family time alone around Mother's bedside. At about the time Mother took her last breath, a butterfly landed on the nurse's hand. After hearing this, I grabbed my camera and headed to the garden. The sun was so brilliant, that I could not see the image in the viewfinder. Imagine my delight when the butterfly I photographed was so vivid in every detail. The nurse and I now each share that photo and it serves as a reminder that Mother has "no more night, no more tears, no more pain" as sung by David Phelps. Mother was blind the last 30 years of her life so our garden was filled with flowers and herbs to appeal to the senses, and flowers to attract the butterflies/hummingbirds which Mother loved to feel and hear near her. As Autumn approaches, my heart delights with every lingering butterfly I catch a glimpse of. What a wonderful gift!
Serendipity is a beautiful word, and the etymology makes it even more so. I LOVE words, and collect dictionaries. On my last trip I discovered two huge dictionaries ( one set )and had to lug them aboard as my carry ons in the plane because they made my luggage over weight. Now after reading your lovely blog I will need some books on word etymology....an online etymological dictionary ....I learned a lot here, but especially appreciate your poem and YES ! I discover small things serendipitously all the time ! I might share, thanks to your encouragement.
I would also like to say 'thank-you' to Mildred for sharing her touching story and the joy it brought me. I am so glad I discovered your blog!
Sandy-I really enjoyed your poem. I love how your inspirations end up in words that paint such beautiful pictures.
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