So often we think of miracles as great, supernatural events which drastically effect our lives for the better. And of course these are miracles. Sudden, inexplicable, wondrous events are miracles that are few and far between, at least for most of us.
But everyday miracles are what spin our daily lives, and too often we don't appreciate what we have till, as has been said many times before, we lose it. A good friend who calls when we need it most, a smile when we are feeling down from a complete stranger, a compliment when we least expect it, a gift that comes just from love.
We are not however only recipients of these everyday miracles. We are the source of miracles, sometimes without even knowing what we have done.
Have you ever stood up on behalf of a stranger, given courage where it was most needed, given a loan to a friend who was down on their luck without thought of having it returned? Have you ever withheld from yourself a treat or a pleasure and instead given the money that would otherwise have been spent to a person in great need?
These are the miracles that keep our lives and the lives of others from pitching out of control. Not everything is flash and glitter. Sometimes the best miracles are quiet things which seem to make no waves and we may wonder if they have any effect at all.
I work for a tzedakah (charity) organization. Don't doubt what a small gift can do. Don't doubt what an hour cutting up vegetables or packing bags or calling one's friends to ask them to donate to a particular charity can do.
Each effort on behalf of someone else is a miracle.
It is Chanukah today, the first day of Chanukah. Last night we lit the first candle. The holiday celebrates the physical victory over our enemies and the spiritual victory over those who denigrated Torah principles. You can learn more about the holiday here: All about Chanukah
Everyday for the next eight days I'm going to try and write about a daily miracle that has made my life better, and a "miracle" I've worked for someone else.
Share with me what you have received and what you have given as I am sharing with you. Lets inspire each other.
Day 1
Miracle Recieved
Friends helped us via loans to continue living in our house. It took several months to pay them back but we were able to return all the money. Both are a miracle in my eyes.
Miracle Given
I gave a gift that was given to me to someone who could use it more. The woman's face lit up with such joy that it was all I needed for my happiness.
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3 comments:
Beautiful! Sometimes we're so busy looking for the big miracles that we neglect to see the small ones that are happening all around us. Just as even a small contribution to an organization like Yad Ezra V'Shulamit can help give a hungry child a hot lunch, so can a small act of kindness "miraculously" turn someone's bad day into a great one. Looking forward to reading your other posts for Chanukah.
You are so inspiring Rachel! The blog is very nicely written. May Hashem continue to bring many blessings to you and your family! Happy Chanukah!
Somehow I dont get, why these examples are miracles. To help each other, i or should be the "normal way" I think.
The only relation to miracle I can find is, when you think, Hashem gives you the means to help others (something to say "thank you" for I thinkm, its great when you ae able to help others...)
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