In a recent Washington Post editorial, Anne LaMott proclaimed that ‘Age Makes the Miracles Easier to See.’ As I read it, I wondered if she shouldn’t have added the word: Again. Anyone who’s ever known a child or two knows that, during their first couple years of life, they spend their days encountering miracles. The American Heritage Dictionary defines a miracle as:
- An event that appears inexplicable by the laws of nature and so is held to be supernatural in origin or an act of God.*
- One that excites admiring awe; a wonderful or amazing event, act, person, or thing. synonym: wonder.
Babies’ relationships to miracles actually fall in the second definition — yet I’m sure for them it feels as if it’s part of the first; “Who knew I had toes and that they would fit in my mouth?” For an adult that question would fall under the first definition of a miracle — or else be an accident which would take you to the hospital, which is where I’m learning a lot about miracles these days.
Some of those things we might think of as miracles are really blessings. Blessings come in the form of sweet caresses. When a patient who knows death is imminent has a young nurse who makes certain that patient is anointed by the Catholic Priest, that’s a blessing. A blessings occurs when she ensures that her patient can savor ice cream once more before she dies. May we all die with acceptance and sweetness on our tongues and blessings from those around us to ease our transition from life.
The longer I work in the hospital, the more I see the miracles Life works in our bodies and the ones that Science, Passion and Practice works through the hands of the caregivers. Accidents happen. Illness happens. Things our bodies are not meant to survive are overcome through our spellbinding response to Life’s force. Or sometimes medical knowledge and skill reach far beyond what has been possible up to this point and do something that allows Life a toe hold — which it then greedily builds on. I’m beginning to really appreciate that it is sometimes simple Presence and Love that open hearts and arms to the miracles of Mental, Emotional, and Spiritual Peace.
The relationship of Peace and Miracles is intimate. Peace is both the invitation to discover the Miracles and the response we experience when we encounter Possibilities Beyond all Understanding.
Albert Einstein said, “There are only two ways to live your life. One is as if nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.” If we choose miracles — astonishing, achievable miracles — why can’t we, why wouldn’t we, choose astonishing, miraculous Peace?
Salaam, Shalom, Peace, Blessed be.
*and to this I might add or of as yet unknown Science. Discoveries are being made every day that will change our lives in ways that I know will be nothing short of miraculous.