Just your everyday miracles...

What constitutes something as miraculous? Is it something out of the ordinary? Something that indicates the power of some sort of divine intervention? Or are miracles more common than that? Is it a stretch to say that some of the most common everyday occurrences are some of the most miraculous events we experience? For example, everyday there are literally hundreds of thousands of babies born, does that not make it a miracle, or is life a miracle in itself? This question has intrigued many of the greatest philosophers and theologians that have walked on this earth. It's easy to say that someone walking on water or being raised from the dead would be considered miraculous, but by defining these supernatural events as miraculous, we may miss some of the less extraordinary but perhaps more important manifestations of the presence of deity in our lives.

Consider people who find the time to dedicate themselves wholly to fighting the exploitation of those around them, isn't that somewhat miraculous? Many times these people risk their lives to save the lives of other people. The fact that there are people who are selfless enough to give up all they have to safe the lives of a stranger is one of the greatest miracles that we have the chance to witness. It doesn't have to be that extreme, many times people go out of their way to help out people they don't know. Recently, I lost my wallet at school, but some good-natured stranger took the time to find get it to a place where it could be given back to me. What motivates people to do this? What gain did the person who found my wallet get out of turning it in to a lost and found? He/She could have just as easily taken my credit cards or identification to exploit me to their advantage. They could have done nothing as well. My point is that many times do some of the most good when nobody is watching and that in it's own right is miraculous.

Perhaps the most miraculous thing that the vast majority of people experience in this life is the opportunity to love and be loved. When it comes down to it, is there anything more miraculous than a human being giving all they have to make the life of someone else better and the fact of the matter is that most of us will experience this at some point whether with a romantic partner, a family member, a friend, or even a complete stranger. True love encompasses the selflessness that leads to real happiness. I think if I could pick attribute of Jesus Christ to develop is the love with which he served all mankind. That's the beauty of the gospel of Christ, even if you don't believe in Christianity, everyone can understand and for the most part agree with it's most basic principle, love your fellow man even as thyself. In my personal opinion, there is nothing more miraculous than true, undaunted love.

I hope that this doesn't come across as self-righteous, but I think if we took more time to recognize the little miracles in our lives everyday, we'd be more aware of those around us, and more willing to help those in need. I also believe if we were more conscious about what miracles were constantly surrounding us, our lives would seem a little easier to live and those close to us would be easier to love. Now that I've said my peace, let me know what you think, I'd love to hear your opinions!