Coincidence or Not? 🤔

Image Credit: Meruyert Gonullu

In recent days many unexpected things occurred that were pleasant surprises. Several people have said, “Well, isn’t that a coincidence?” As I have gotten older, I have pondered on that common catchphrase and thought of it a little differently.

So, a coincidence is an occasion when two or more similar things happen simultaneously, especially in a way that is unlikely and surprising. Some people may call it confirmation, luck, or synchronicity. For me, such occurrences are a manifestation of a spiritual and physical alignment when such unexpected events cross paths or meet at a juncture. Some may say the stars or the universe are aligning, and perhaps they are. For me, I call it Divine Intervention.

Yet, I believe the inevitable will be what it will be, whether you plan for it or not. The pleasant surprises are always comforting and encouraging, hitting you with a burst of energy. Unpleasant crossover occurrences may throw you for a loop, sucker-punch you, and leave us hitting the replay buttons in our mind, evaluating and wondering why. Sometimes that seemingly “bad” thing could be a good thing. It could make room for the better, but you may have to wait for it. We set a lot of things in motion, but when such coincidences occur, they could be signs for improvement we can’t ignore.

Coming of Age, from Childhood to Adulthood

I think most of us can remember how much we wanted to grow up so fast and be our own independent person. We thought we knew so much back in the day but were greener behind the ears than a new spring sprout.

Coming of age, a term used to describe the transition between childhood and adulthood varies throughout various cultures. Most religions and cultures have specific celebrations, events or ceremonies associated with their coming of age timeline.

Sweet 16 Party

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Sweet 16 Party: Many American families celebrate a large birthday celebration for their daughter’s coming of age with a “Sweet 16” party.

Quinceanera

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Quinceanera: Fifteen-year-old girls in the Mexican, Cuban, Puerto Rican, Central, and South American traditions, go through a semi-religious rite and celebration to mark their coming of age with friends and family.

Bar Mitzvah

Image source: Washington Jewish Week

Bar Mitzvah and Bat Mitzvah: This occasion represents the culmination of years of Hebrew and Torah study which signifies a Jewish child’s entrance into adulthood. At the age of 13, Jewish youngsters take part in Bar Mitzvah for the boys and Bat Mitzvah for girls.

Bat Mitzvah

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Confirmation

Image source: Saint Columba Church

Confirmation: While not legally adults, Catholic teens are confirmed in their faith as one of the three most important sacraments (along with baptism and the Eucharist). The rite of confirmation involves the laying on of hands, the anointing with chrism, and the words, “Be sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit.”

While coming of age is an exciting time for teens, the transition between childhood and adulthood can be an emotional rollercoaster on so many levels regardless of cultural traditions.