Have you ever noticed how much we give credit to the concept of luck? We have 4 leaf clovers that give us luck, we have a lucky rabbit's foot, and we have "the luck of the Irish" when The Notre Dame leprechaun pulls through for a win. We have "games of luck" that are really just based on chance, a roll of the dice, or yes, luck. We even have our lucky stars, lucky jersey, and can wear our lucky socks (please wash those things!). Luck is everywhere...or is it?
We also have the opposite that says we've "run out of luck," had "bad luck" or we are "just unlucky." I wonder how much luck is really laziness without planning? Roman Stoic philosopher Lucius Annaeus Seneca (ca. 4 BC – 65 AD) often known simply as Seneca, put it this way, “Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.” In other words, if you have done the work to prepare for the opportunity you will be ready when the opportunity presents itself (hence: luck). If you are unprepared you won't even be looking for opportunity, so you'll never see it. Your chance at receiving that what you wished for will be gone and you'll think yourself "just unlucky."
There is a business concept called "Sweat Equity" that equates hard work with gaining value. When you work hard for something, there is pride in the receiving of the thing you worked hard for. If you are saving for a car, it's a sweet reward when you leave the dealership with the keys in hand. If you are purchasing your first home, you tend to the lawn and upkeep with joy. When you are given things you want but don't have to work for, there is no joy of effort or ownership and no fear of loss to motivate you to keep it in good condition.
Luck can also be equated with common sense. In frustration, I have said, "Common sense isn't common anymore" as I look at some of the silly things that are being considered entertainment these days. But, I digress...Hard work is the pathway to wisdom. The Bible puts it this way:
"Whoever works his land will have plenty of bread, but he who follows worthless pursuits lacks sense."
Proverbs 12:11 (ESV)
Don't wait around for luck to happen to you. Work hard, be diligent, consistent in your efforts, and you just might find Lady Luck is smiling down on you.
Day 31: Work