In March we often hear “it’s the luck of the Irish,” so being a good Irishman, I thought this would be a great topic to write about.

Webster defines luck as success or failure apparently brought by chance rather than through one’s own actions. Based on this definition we all have a chance to be lucky (whether we are Irish or not). For example, I believe that those people that win the big Powerball jackpots are just “lucky.” I think that I have been lucky when I have won raffle prizes in the past. Many times I feel that I have been lucky to not trip when trying to talk on the phone and walk down stairs with a full laundry basket. I have never broken a bone, and yes that makes me pretty darn lucky.

I then shifted my thoughts to other things in my life. If luck is not playing a role in them, what is? I took some time to look up the word “destiny.” Destiny was defined as something to which a person or thing is destined for their fortune. Sometimes people will scoff at the concept of destiny, but to me I believe that it really is an important part of one’s life, and one’s course of action. In the church world we often use the term “divine providence.” Providence, meaning God conceived as the power sustaining and guiding human destiny. 

I try to look back in my life and see what role luck has played and what has truly been my destiny (or providence). About 12 years ago I was doing some volunteer work for the Monroe Theater Guild and walking dogs for the Green County Humane Society. At that point in my life, being a dog owner was never on my radar. I came around the corner and there was this adorable little dog, sitting in his cage staring at me. Well it ended up there were so many volunteers that night, my friend and I just kept walking this little guy all night long. My friend said, you two would be a perfect fit. You should adopt him. When I inquired about adopting him, I was notified I was the third on the list, but put my name in any way. Two days later I received a call, and he was available if I was still interested. Twelve years later Vermont is still a huge part of my life. I count myself incredibly lucky to have been in the right place at the right time that night. 

In January of 2000 I graduated with a master’s degree in Elementary Administration. I was unsure of my future as I truly loved teaching and wasn’t sure I was ready to leave the classroom. In the spring of that year I started to apply for principal jobs around the Iowa, Illinois and Wisconsin areas. I applied through the Diocese of Madison for a job in Platteville. I interviewed, thought it went very well, and was turned down. The same day I was turned down, I received a phone call from the superintendent of Catholic Schools saying they were still interested in me working in the Catholic School system and wondered if I would like to interview other places like Madison, Janesville or Monroe. At that point I was feeling a bit down, but said OK. 

The same evening, I received a call from Fr. Steve from St. Victor Parish in Monroe. I was on my way for an interview the following week. To be honest, I had only been through Monroe one time in my life. Well most of us know how the story ends, I was offered the job, and 19 years later I am still here. As I look back the plan (in my mind) was to stay for a couple of years and move on to “bigger” things. That was not the plan that God had for me. In St. Victor School and Monroe, I have found an amazing community that supports and believes in the mission of Catholic education. I have found a place where students are challenged to grow in both their academics and their faith. A place where we can learn from our mistakes and be guided by the role model of Jesus. I have met some many amazing teachers, parents, community members and coworkers that have shaped my life. They have made me a better educator, but more importantly, a better person. I have found a place to call home. This experience in Monroe was not purely “luck” but definitely my destiny, or my providence.

Whether you believe in luck, destiny or providence I believe that all of these play a role in each one of our lives on a day to day basis. I encourage you to take a look at your life and see what role each one plays for you. I believe that life is usually a combination of all three. Sometimes we just get lucky, being in the right place at the right time. Other times we are destined for something great: a new job, a new relationship or a new beginning. 

Be open to these new challenges, embrace them. Who knows what great things can come from taking the chance that destiny and providence offers to you. May the luck, destiny or providence be not only with the Irish these months and years ahead, but with each and every one of us.

— Joe Peters is the principal at St. Victor School in Monroe. He can be reached at joepeters@stvictormonroe.org.