Personally, there is nothing quite like the unobstructed view of a sunrise, especially if that includes an ocean. While it has been a while since I enjoyed such a sight, the power of the memory of those I have experienced is enough for me to consider them a miracle in their own right.
It is true we have a meteorological and scientific explanation for the sunrise as well as the sunset. On the other hand, in the awareness the planets, the sun, and the moons move in a never-ending celestial symphony is evidence to me a higher power conducts the orchestra.
When it comes to the experience of a miracle, what if the first thing we need to do is redefine our understanding of what qualifies as one?
A favorite author I have quoted in the past states it well:
“Rarely do we realize that we are in the midst of the extraordinary. Miracles occur all around us, signs from God show us the way, angels plead to be heard, but we pay little attention to them because we have been taught that we must follow certain formulas and rules if we want to find God.” [Paulo Coelho | By the River Piedra I Sat Down and Wept]
Such an astute discernment leads us to the answer—anything and everything may be considered a miracle. It really depends on the circumstance and the person. Nonetheless, if that is true, does that diminish the real power or potential for what can be considered miraculous? No. And here’s why.
A drink of water to the parched traveler is . . . a miracle.
Clean clothes and shoes for the family whose home has just been swept away by a flood . . . a miracle.
The availability of special formula for an infant with health issues . . . a miracle.
The smile of a spouse who has come through a difficult surgery . . . a miracle.
A safe return to base for the soldier who has spent weeks dodging enemy fire . . . a miracle.
Another day of sobriety for the recovering addict . . . a miracle.
Most of us are familiar with the numerous miracles described in Scripture, many of which seem, well, pretty miraculous. At the same time, methinks God desires for us to embrace the bigger picture. What if our wherewithal to see “that we are in the midst of the extraordinary, that miracles occur all around us” as Paulo states, is the essence of what it means to experience a miracle?
This Scripture makes it all pretty clear:
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways my ways . . . For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, my thoughts higher than your thoughts.” [Isaiah 58:8-9]
The fact we awaken each morning is, in many ways, the first sign from God that we are here in this moment to continue the work and purpose He has for us. With that kind of Divine promise, maybe the best news is most of life is lived amid the extraordinary. What a gift. What a blessing.
Do I tend to limit what I see as miraculous? Why?
How do I feel about being in the midst of extraordinary in this moment?
