Everyday Miracles

I have been on a teaching mission to Yellowknife in the Northwest Territory of Canada. It is a winter wonderland and is currently snowing. The average temperature since we have been here has been around -10F. The other night we went for a ride outside of town to escape the “light pollution” and in doing so we got to see the Northern Lights. It was amazing as the horizon filled with wisps of brilliant green as they danced to and fro across the night canopy of sky. (I found this picture on the internet – I was unable to get a picture of what we saw as I did not have the right equipment)

Sometimes we see and notice God’s glory manifest in creation! However, many times we become oblivious to the everyday miracles that surround us. If we are not careful we can sleep through life and miss the things that bring purpose, value, and fulfillment. I think these things, miracle moments are more common than we think and can capture our attention and fuel us in the walk of life.

As awesome as the Northern Lights were, I witnessed other miracles while on this journey. Dustin shared his story with us. He had finished university and was headed to a brilliant career in education and eventually to the study of law. That all changed when he was struck by a car.  He was rushed to the emergency room and was not expected to live through the night, he did. The doctors said he would not make it through the next day, he did. After a complicated brain surgery and two weeks in an induced coma he awoke to a new life. The struggles were real, it was not easy but he has experienced great recovery far more than was ever expected. God saved Dustin and he is now discovering why! He is a walking miracle. He is a kind, generous, thoughtful young man and his journey continues to deeper healing and wholeness.

Dustin’s story is dramatic and inspiring for sure it is full of hope. There were everyday graces during the week in the frozen north. I witnessed kindness as people reached out in love to one another with a sincere empathy for another’s difficult circumstance. In moments I saw biblical servanthood poured out in caring for one another. There was utter joy as people discovered they were important to God by a word spoken by a newfound friend.

A favorite quote of mine from Mother Teresa is; We are called to do small things with great love. Small things become everyday miracles when they are accompanied by great love. Simple, ordinary moments are made extraordinary and profound when they mediate something greater. For a moment the veil drops and we glimpse something of eternity. The question is will we notice?

We are not lost; we are not alone. In the darkness of this world there is a light that shines; that light is Christ. So set the alarm to wake-up to the everyday moments and miracles that surround you. Be filled with faith, hope and love; in today’s world these are needed commodities that yield everyday miracles.