About a year ago, I received three $10 Kinokuniya book vouchers.
Like many gift vouchers, I told myself I would use them “one day.” But life became busy, and before I knew it, almost a year had passed. The vouchers remained tucked away in my wallet, waiting for the right opportunity.
I didn’t realize then that they were waiting for the right book.
Recently, I shared on LinkedIn that I was beginning my AI learning journey. One of my LinkedIn connections kindly asked:
“Have you read The Age of AI: And Our Human Future (2021), co-authored by Eric Schmidt, Daniel Huttenlocher and Dr. Henry Kissinger? There is a good layout of foundational ideas regarding AI and its philosophical connections!”
I replied:
“Thank you for the recommendation! I haven’t read The Age of AI: And Our Human Future yet, but it sounds like a great place to build a strong foundation, especially with its focus on both AI and its philosophical implications. I’ll add it to my reading list as I begin my AI learning journey. I appreciate you taking the time to share this recommendation!”
After our exchange, I decided to see if Kinokuniya carried the book.
A quick Google search showed that it was available at my local Kinokuniya store. Even more interesting, the listed price was around $29.
That’s when it hit me.
I had three $10 book vouchers—almost the exact amount I needed.
For nearly a year, those vouchers had been sitting unused. Now they had a purpose.
Instead of ordering the book online, I felt prompted to visit the bookstore myself. There was something refreshing about walking through the aisles, searching the shelves, and taking my time.
When I finally found the book, I noticed there were only three copies left.
Some people might call it coincidence, and that’s perfectly reasonable. But as someone who tries to live by faith, I’ve learned to appreciate these quiet moments. Not because they prove anything extraordinary, but because they remind me that God often works through ordinary circumstances.
A forgotten set of book vouchers.
A thoughtful recommendation from someone in my LinkedIn network.
A Google search that showed the book cost almost exactly what my vouchers covered.
A trip to the bookstore instead of clicking “Buy Now.”
Three copies remaining on the shelf.
None of these events, by themselves, are remarkable. Together, however, they reminded me of something I’ve experienced many times: God often guides us one step at a time.
Proverbs 16:9 says:
“In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.”
Looking back, I can see how each small step naturally led to the next.
This experience also reminded me why I value communities like LinkedIn. Beyond professional networking, it is a place where people freely share knowledge, encourage curiosity, and sometimes influence someone else’s journey without even realizing it.
As I begin reading The Age of AI: And Our Human Future, I’m looking forward not only to understanding the technology but also to wrestling with the questions it raises.
How do we remain wise in an age of intelligent machines?
How do we steward technology responsibly?
How do we preserve the qualities that make us uniquely human?
Perhaps those are the questions that matter most.
Looking back, I don’t think the story is really about a book or even three forgotten vouchers.
It’s about being reminded that God often uses ordinary moments to nudge us toward new seasons of growth. Sometimes He uses a conversation. Sometimes a recommendation. Sometimes something as simple as a book voucher that’s been waiting in your wallet all along.
And sometimes, all that’s required is the willingness to take the next step.
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