Miracles In Real Time
Learning to recognize—and participate in—everyday miracles.
What Is A Miracle?
Imagine for a second you had to explain what a miracle is to someone who has never heard the word before. Better yet, try to explain a miracle to someone from another planet.
Most of us would probably start with a definition that sounds something like: “An event that defies the laws of nature.” And honestly, that isn’t a terrible definition. In fact, the first definition for the word miracle from dictionary.com is this:
an effect or extraordinary event in the physical world that surpasses all known human or natural powers and is ascribed to a supernatural cause.
Does this mean the supernatural (however we understand it) is required for miraculous events?
Perhaps, like most things in life, there’s a more expansive definition for the word miracle. The dictionary itself has more than one definition for the word miracle after all. When we take them all together, it allows us to see the bigger picture of a miracle.
Consider these two other definitions from dictionary.com:
a wonder; marvel.
a wonderful or surpassing example of some quality.
As you’ll notice, these definitions don’t focus on the supernatural. Instead, they focus our attention on the ordinary world and the qualities that give ordinary moments just a little extra.
Can We Participate In Miracles?
If there’s room for a definition of the word miracle that doesn’t focus on the supernatural, could we be invited to participate in miracles?
Honestly, the only way I know how to answer that question is by referring to a Christmas movie. Or, more specifically, a song from a Christmas movie.
If you know me, that probably doesn’t surprise you.
The song is titled Even A Miracle Needs A Hand and opens with these lyrics:
Miracles happen most everyday
(To people like you and me)
But don't expect a miracle
(Unless you help make it to be)
Those are surprisingly bold lyrics for a children's Christmas special. And yet, they’re true.
Every day, people participate in random acts of kindness leaving the world a better place:
helping strangers stranded on the side of the road
bringing food to a family experiencing loss
treating food service employees with kindness and respect
donating blood, food, time, or resources
None of these moments requires the supernatural. Instead, they’re ordinary acts shaped by love, leaving an extraordinary mark on the world.
Everyday Miracles
Miracles happen every day.
Some of them make headlines, but most of them we’ll never see unless we pay attention. That isn’t a judgment, either. Everyday miracles are easy to miss, especially in the moment. Sometimes it’s only after time has passed that we recognize the miracle that occurred.
The invitation, then, is to pay closer attention in the moment. Not only so you can recognize miracles in real time, but so you can participate in miracles for others.