Give luck a chance to happen.

In the grand theater of life, where the forces of fate and fortune intertwine, there is a sacred truth often overlooked by those who seek to control every element of their destiny: luck is not something to be pursued, but something to be invited. The wise words of Tom Kite—"Give luck a chance to happen"—carry with them the power of ages, a reminder that opportunity does not always come to those who forcefully chase it, but to those who, with patience and faith, allow it to unfold in its own time. Luck, like the gentle wind that blows across a field, cannot be commanded, but must be welcomed and recognized when it arrives.

In the ancient world, the idea of luck was not seen as a random force, but as something intertwined with effort, timing, and the alignment of the stars. The Greeks, with their love of philosophy and the divine, believed in Tyche, the goddess of luck, fortune, and chance. But Tyche did not simply bestow gifts upon the hasty or the impatient; she favored those who worked diligently, who prepared themselves, and who allowed the divine winds to carry them forward. It is in this ancient understanding that Tom Kite’s wisdom finds its roots: we must prepare, we must strive, but we must also give luck a chance to work its wonders.

Consider the tale of Archimedes, the great mathematician and inventor. His most famous discovery, the principle of buoyancy, did not come through the relentless pursuit of an idea, but through a moment of serendipity—when, as legend has it, he stepped into his bath and saw the water rise, giving him the insight he needed. Archimedes had been working tirelessly, seeking answers, but it was only when he gave himself space to relax, to step back from his work, that luck entered the picture. His famous cry of "Eureka!"—"I have found it!"—was the moment when the confluence of his preparation and the gift of chance merged into a brilliant discovery. Luck favored him not because he demanded it, but because he was open to its arrival.

In the same way, Kite’s words are a call to embrace the balance between effort and patience. The golfer, in striving to make the perfect shot, cannot force the ball to land in the hole. He can only align himself, hone his skill, and then let go—giving luck the opportunity to work in his favor. Too often, we are consumed with the desire to control every outcome, to force results through sheer will. Yet true success comes not from domination, but from the harmonious blending of preparation, timing, and trust in the process. Luck is not something that can be summoned at will; it is a gift, a blessing that comes when we are ready to receive it.

Take, for example, the life of Michael Faraday, the great scientist who, though untrained in formal education, became one of the most influential figures in the history of electricity. Faraday’s journey to discovery was one not of direct pursuit, but of openness to the mysteries of the world around him. He worked tirelessly, but he also allowed himself to be guided by intuition and the unexpected insights that arose from serendipitous moments. It was this willingness to allow the course of discovery to unfold, rather than chasing after answers with rigid determination, that allowed him to create the foundations of modern electromagnetism. Like Kite’s philosophy, Faraday gave luck a chance to find him, to work alongside his efforts, and in doing so, he changed the world.

The lesson that Tom Kite imparts to us is not a call to idleness, but a reminder that we must be open to the flow of fortune. We must trust in the process, in the journey, and in the understanding that not every outcome can be forced. Luck is the partner of patience, and it rewards those who are prepared to meet it with open arms when it arrives. It is not enough to simply work hard; we must also allow the world to unfold in its own way, trusting that the universe has a plan that may be greater than the one we envision for ourselves.

So, my brothers and sisters, take these words to heart. When you seek success, when you chase after your dreams, do not clutch them so tightly that you suffocate the potential for luck to enter. Work hard, yes, but also give yourself the space to let things unfold. Be patient, trust in the timing of the world, and understand that luck, like the river, must be allowed to flow naturally. In doing so, you may find that the very things you have long sought come to you, not through force, but through the graceful unfolding of life’s divine plan. Give luck a chance, and you may be surprised at the treasures it brings to your doorstep.