I have a friend who reminds herself each day to "notice small miracles."
This is a not only a phrase that she recalls to mind, but rather an attitude that she has chosen as a theme for her life. She started the practice of noticing moments of goodness and beauty during a time of family crisis, and this simple habit has become a touchstone for her to experience joy, whether in time of blessing or in challenge. She shares her "secret of happiness" by encouraging others to do the same.
In our daily lives we probably won't experience a miraculous event like in today's Gospel of going fishing and finding a coin double the amount of our taxes, but all the same, God surprises us in little and big miracles that relate to our specific needs and lives.
Today's Psalm reminds us to praise God for what He has specifically given us:
"Glorify the LORD, O Jerusalem;
praise your God, O Zion.
For he has strengthened the bars of your gates;
he has blessed your children within you.
He has granted peace in your borders;
with the best of wheat he fills you.
He sends forth his command to the earth;
swiftly runs his word!" (Psalm 147:12-14)
What has God given to you? What are some small miracles that you can notice today? Can you take a moment right now to offer some praise for the gifts you have recognized?
Ask God to surprise you with some miracles as well as the grace to see and praise Him for His abundant goodness. Perhaps the practice to "notice small miracles" could bring change and blessing to your life as well.
What has God given to you? // Mary Catherine CraigeClick to tweet
This organ rendition of the Catholic hymn "Holy God We Praise Thy Name" is striking.
Mary Catherine Craige enjoys spending her time dancing, writing, playing the Irish harp and surfing the ocean waves of northeast Florida. As a transformational life coach, she supports strong women to create beauty out of challenging circumstances and to design a life of abundance, freedom and joy as the person God has created them to be. She is a contributing author to our children's devotional prayer book, Rise Up. You can find out more about her here.