We use – perhaps overuse – the word “miracle” a lot. We use it to describe a person’s recovery from an illness that was supposed to be terminal. We use it when someone has escaped what should have been certain death in an automobile accident. We even use the word when a losing sports team has won a game.
So, what is a miracle, anyway? A surprising event that is welcome but was totally unexpected. But aren’t miracles more than that? We can by our own actions based in faith and love, not to mention hard work, create miracles.
Consider the Innocence Project that has created the miracle of exonerating people who were wrongfully convicted of crimes. Miracles can and do occur even in the midst of tragedy. Consider those who survived terrible tornadoes in Kentucky, nursing home residents shielded by the caregivers with their own bodies. We have the power to create miracles every day. We only need to focus ourselves on bringing them to fruition.
Prayer for the Day
Fill our doubting hearts with the faith that transforms lives
And bring us into your presence through loving one another.
Free us from our old fears that dampen our spirits,
Expanding our vision of what you are and what we can be So we walk in your ways of justice and righteousness;
Sharing the vision of a better world for all.
We ask this in the name of him who opens a new world,
Even Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen
Thoughts for the Day
There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.
Albert Einstein, physicist (1879-1955)
You have to see the miracles for there to be miracles.
Jandy Nelson, writer, from I’ll give you the sun
Incline your ear, O Lord, and answer me, for I am poor and needy.
Preserve my life, for I am devoted to you, save your servant who trusts in you.
You are my God, be gracious to me, O Lord, for to you do I cry all day long.
Gladden the soul of your servant, for to you, O Lord, I lift up my soul
For you, O Lord, are good and forgiving, abounding in kindness to all who call on you.
Give ear, O Lord, to my prayer; listen to my cry of supplication.
Psalm 86: 1-6