An ordinary miracle–times two
I experienced a miracle this weekend–times two.
When is an event a miracle? Merriam-Webster says:
an extraordinary event manifesting divine intervention in human affairs; an extremely outstanding or unusual event.”*
So, when looking at my post title–How can there be such a thing as an ordinary miracle when the event itself is extraordinary and unusual?
The two miracles I experienced this past week are the birth of my second grandchild AND the joy of having my granddaughter stay with me three days.
I admit…not everyone would agree that these two events are miracles. Childbirth isn’t rare or unusual. In fact, it’s quite an ordinary and everyday occurrence. According to the Centers for Disease Control, nearly four million children were born in the United States in 2018.
That’s a lot of babies!
An overnight visit to Grandma’s house is unlikely to be considered a miracle either. Happens all the time, right?
Well…the miracle happened to me…
My sweet girl banished the silence and sorrow that has enfolded my empty house for nine long months. Pain, sadness and regret retreated–a brief respite for a few days. Her laughter, enthusiasm, and joyful zest for life overcame sorrow and grief. Sweet hugs filled my heart with love as peace and comfort settled on me like the soft touch of a spring breeze.
I’m claiming two ordinary events to be miracles. Besides the fact that this experience happened to me–what evidence do I have of God’s miraculous intervention?
The Greek word for miracle is dunamis and is defined as power. Thus, for Christians, a miracle is an act of God’s power.**
The prophet Jeremiah says of our God:
Ah, Sovereign LORD, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm.” Jeremiah 32:17
“Miracle is a mode of God’s special revelation. It has been defined as ‘an observable phenomenon effected by the direct operation of God’s power, an arresting deviation from the ordinary sequence of nature, a deviation calculated to beget faith-begetting awe'”(Baker’s Dictionary of Theology).***
“Faith-begetting awe…”
I am in awe of the power of love.
God created us with the ability to feel the power of love, both His unconditional love and the love of family and friends. He granted us the opportunity to share our love with others and to be the recipient of their gift of love. While the emotion of love is an ordinary, widely experienced feeling, the sharing of love can result in extraordinary, miraculous results.
I think we sometimes forget the amazing wonder and majesty of the ordinary. Our sun rises in the morning and sets in the afternoon. The energy we receive from the sun guides every aspect of our life on Earth. The special atmosphere God created allows us to breathe and live. We have a balance of rain and sunshine to grow food to sustain us. Yet, don’t we take these miracles for granted?
Do we take love for granted?
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil, but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, 13
Watching the birth of my granddaughter ranks as one of the most precious and memorable moments of my life. Two years later, as we awaited the birth of her little brother, that same sweet girl put her arms around me to kiss my cheek. Unconditional love. My heart overflows.
For just as the power and miracle of God’s great and infinite love for us is given through the gift of His son, our LORD and Savior, Jesus Christ, we are granted the gift of love–love with an infinite capacity to grow with each new blessing of life.
Love can change the world. We can change the world through our love for others. Can we put love into action to bless others?
What are those miracle moments of love that you treasure?
Wishing you joy in the ordinary, my friends!
* Merriam-Webster.com
**Holman Treasury of Key Bible Terms, logos.com
***Dictionary of Theological Terms, logos.com
Yep; love is indeed a miracle. Not as ordinary as it should be though. So enjoyed this post ma’am. It’s amazing how “little ones” can bring our life right back in focus through laughter, smiles, hugs, and kisses. I’ve always melted when they grab my big hand (usually just a finger or two) and hang on tight. It’s like they’re carrying me into their world. God blessings; and thank you so much for making my week just a bit brighter.
Thank you for brightening my day, J.D. Yes, there’s something amazing about that little hand slipping into ours (or grabbing a finger). That sweet little one is telling us, “I trust you to lead me in the right direction and not let me stumble or fall.” Lots of wisdom there for us “old folks” isn’t it? We should be like that trusting child and tell our Father those same words (and believe it). Wishing you a blessed week, my friend.
Oh how wonderful, Katherine, to have the birth of a new little grandchild and the delight and love of your granddaughter to hug you all weekend! I agree–miracles! And I loved your reminder about “The amazing wonder and majesty of the ordinary.” we do take too many gifts from god for granted.
My sweet girl blessed me with her presence and her joy of life. I’m reminded that Jesus said we need to come to Him as little children. Makes sense, doesn’t it? Trusting, full of joy, and loving unconditionally, what wonderful lessons we can learn. I hope and pray I can do better about recognizing the blessings of the “ordinary” (in reality the awesome) gifts God provides each day. Thank you for blessing me today, Kathy, with your encouragement.
I love this concept. I remember hearing Christopher DeVinck speak about the extraordinariness of the ordinary and how the ordinary is so wonderful. You do it here too. Thank you.
I’ve not had the privilege of hearing Christopher DeVinck speak. I’ll keep an eye and ear open for for that name and his ministry. We’re having a lovely day of sunshine here, after what seems like a winter of rain. I’m so grateful for the ordinary miracle of sunshine. Hope your day is blessed, Nancy.
So beautifully said. You have such a gift.
Thank you for the blessing of your encouragement, my friend. You’ve been my ray of sunshine through dark days. Wishing you joy on this sunny day!
we love you wink. you are a blessing. miss you during this covid time. be well.
Miss you, too, my sweet girl. Hope everyone is safe and well. Love you!
Congratulations my friend. Such beautiful words to describe such ordinary miracles. You have reminded me of how blessed I am. Also I am reminded of the feeling of unconditional love from my grandchildren and our Heavenly Father.
How I miss you, my friend. Hoping the vaccine is a success and our isolation will ease so we can see each other again. Wishing you good health and blessings. I know you are loving on your grandchildren, too. Much love, dear one.
Thanks for sharing your joy. I felt it along with you. My little ones have wrapped me in a cocoon of love when I most needed it more than once. Wishing you many more ordinary miracles!
Before I became a grandmother, I was skeptical of those who raved that, “Being a grandparent is the best thing that has ever happened to me!”
“Can this be true?” I scoffed. Well…I’m a believer! Those little ones are such a blessing. Wishing you more ordinary miracles, too!
Congratulations, Katherine! And yes, I could feel the joy of your miracles! Blessings to you all.
Those daily ordinary miracles bring joy, don’t they? Hoping today is blessed for you, Debbie.
Congratulations on your miracles! I know you enjoyed your visit and having a new baby in the family. God is the maker of miracles and His power is given to us because of His great love.
Certainly the miracle of birth is awesome and joyful; however, you’ve reminded me of an even greater miracle, Barbara. The recognition that God loves us–He LOVES us, even with our faults, weaknesses, and failures. How amazing!!
Two beautiful miracles God gave you, Katherine. I am grateful for His everyday miracles. Praying for your heart and home and this new little treasure! Love to you!
Thank you for your prayers, Katy. One of God’s greatest blessings is the gift of friends that love us, pray for us, and encourage us through the hard times. Thank you. Much love to you.
Thanks for reminding us to watch for the miracles around us every day!
If we take a moment to consider, I believe we will find that every day is a blessings filled with miracles. Hoping you enjoy an extra special day!
Katherine, I love your term “ordinary miracles.” Thank you for sharing yours with us. How kind of God to provide them daily.
I’m so thankful for those ordinary miracles. They are wonderful and new everyday. Don’t we serve an amazing God?