Do You Believe in Miracles?

“Do you believe in miracles?” at first blush seems a simple yes or no response. Most people could tell you if they do believe in miracles very quickly. Yet, when looking at what each feels exemplifies what a miracle is, it is not so simple.

For many, miracle is a “miraculous” event that is often related to the hand of God or a greater power. Common examples are those of escaping death. For me, that is the quick definition – something (an event) that defies probability.

Along with defying death, it could be something like a roulette wheel hitting red 100 out of 100 times. It is possible but highly improbably. It would be a miracle!

Miracle often seems tied to a given event – like the example of defying death or even the birth of a baby. Yet, with the birth it is really nine months of miracle. It is a process of little miracles – little steps every day – that at the end produce a larger outcome.

I think of those who have survived horrific accidents and are told they would never walk again or speak again. Each day they make a little progress toward the end goal. Looking at the accomplishment isolated at one day would hardly seem a miracle. Taking one step or taking two steps may not itself seem significant. But, at the end, walking out of the hospital – it is a miracle.

Miracles like these are all around us every day. I am sure my 10th grade typing teacher would say it was a miracle that I can type more than 70 wpm considering I struggled reaching 40 wpm to pass the class!

“Miracles are events that make us feel there is more to life than what we see” is what what friend quoted. I think this is very true. Whenever I feel awe stuck, that is a miracle to me.

When I look at a sunset or rainbow, these are miracles of nature. When someone does a random act of kindness that changes someone’s life, this is a miracle of humanity. When something just works out for the best – this is a miracle of living!