One of my favorite books is Mitch Albom’s, “The Five People You Meet in Heaven.” It tells the story about Eddie, a war veteran, who felt trapped in a meaningless life. Eddie on his 83rd birthday dies in a tragic accident trying to save a little girl from a falling cart, while working fixing rides at a seaside amusement park. With his final breath, he feels two small hands in his and then nothing. He awakens in heaven, which is a place where your earthly life is explained to you by five people that were in it. These people could be loved ones, work associates or strangers that changed your path forever. Each of Eddie’s five people illuminate the unseen connections and help him see the positive purpose of his life and why things unfolded as they did.
If only we had that perspective while living on this earth. To truly understand the significance of people who come in and out of our lives and understand the why. While we may not be able to see the complete picture, we can however in those special moments look for the connections as they unravel.
- The casual business acquaintance who ends up getting you connected to your largest customer to date.
- The volunteer opportunity where you meet someone that connects you to that specialty health care professional that you or a loved one needs in the future.
- The stranger who provides a kind gesture that changes your bad mood into a pleasant one and prevents you from going down an ugly rabbit hole that day.
- The childhood friend who you haven’t seen in years and somehow you get reconnected and are able to help her son with his career.
Every chance encounter, is never a chance encounter. Each of us has a unique mission while here on earth. Every interaction we have has a deeper meaning. The key to a fulfilled life is to be present and aware at all times. While we may not understand in the moment why that person is special to us, take time to reflect as things unfold in our lives and connect the dots. It may just help you discover your destiny and see the positive purpose of your life while living it!