When a Child is a Miracle

The definition of a miracle, according to my web browser, is: a surprising and welcome event that is not explicable by natural or scientific laws and is therefore considered to be the work of a divine agency.

There's two important factors about a miracle: Only God can perform one. A natural or scientific law must be broken for it to count. We all like to talk about the "miracle of child birth". But child birth is not a miracle but a "normal." It is procreation the way God designed it to be in accordance to the natural law that he set.

So when is a child a miracle?? As I watch my children grow and move through life...

It is when they are knocked down hard, but given the strength to get back up again. 

It is surviving the death of a loved one at a tender age. 

It is being rejected by those who are supposed to love you forever and daring to love again.

It is trying again when they fail and are mocked for that failure.

It is surviving and thriving after being dragged into a frightening situation against their will...a big move, a new country and culture, going where nothing is familiar.

It is looking around in a difficult moment and feeling alone and friendless, but moving forward with determination.

It is choosing to walk into a situation to support a friend when the rest of the world seems to be walking out.

It is in forgiving another of egregious sins and offenses.

It is choosing the unfamiliar as they embark alone out into the world.

The natural world says, "You're down. It's scary. It's too much for you. Don't even try to get up."

 God says, "Get up, child. I love you. I will help you."  

As I watch my children move through this beautiful but difficult and sometimes frightening world, I see miracles. I see them rise again over and over by the power that can only be God. And I am amazed. And I am awestruck. And I am thankful...to see miracles every day. 

The godly may trip seven times, but they will get up again. But one disaster is enough to overthrow the wicked.

Proverbs 24:16