Just what is a miracle and are we aware when one has happened? Are we guided by our expectations of what one will be – angels appearing amongst the trees, a spectacular flash of light and something magical descending upon the road? Or is life itself a miracle – the rising and setting of the sun each day, the plants that grow from even the hardest or the soggiest soil and more. Or are they both.
Miracles have often occurred in my life at the very moment when i have felt most dark, ready to give up, not knowing where to turn. I have spent many years on the road, and when i have been stuck someone comes by, offers a lift, or a guide to what I need. Miracles are reminders to have faith, and are brought by the angels of the world. They remind us that a higher power can hear us.
Just over a year ago I was making my way down the Oregon Coast – a journey i wanted to take – from Washington to San Fransisco by public transit and by foot. One night, in a campground full of families i felt very much alone, and prayed “Oh lord, i do not want to be alone anymore”. The next morning i set out to continue my way south. The bus did not come, and would not come again until after dark. I stood on a corner not knowing where to turn – inland, but that bus had just passed, hitch south but i had not done so earlier, go back up north and forget about this crazy plan.
I walked north, just missing the little bus that would take my to the edge of town. My backpack was heavy, wearing me down. A van pulled over perhaps to offer me a lift. I was tempted to ignore it, to walk on by, but i went up to check out the driver. It was someone i knew – had met up in Alaska, who had gone back to Maine, but was now here on the Oregon Coast. I got in – we were together for three months, 24/7 and i was almost never alone. We broke up in Central California when i cried out for my space.
Still, miracles happen, someone is listening, just be careful of what you cry out for since God has a sense of humour.
