Yesterday, I reflected on the “intimate miracles” that we experience in our lives that don’t appear to be miracles at the time. Because it was a repost, it did not appear as a new post on the sidebars of some your blogs. If you care, you might want to read it before continuing…or not. 🙂
As I continued to think yesterday about the intimate miracles in my life, the time surrounding Amy’s death came to mind. I still remember the day my husband, John, and I were praying together and he thanked the Lord for the situation. I immediately went from being in a prayerful mood to a not so prayerful mood! When we finished I asked him just what WAS. HE. THINKING. He replied, “The Bible tells us to give thanks for all things.”
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances;
for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
I Thessalonians 5:16-18
OK……it took me a bit longer, but eventually I WAS able to pray and say thank you. Thank you for the short time we had her. Thank you for the opportunity to be her mother. Thank you for choosing me to be the instrument you chose to bring her into this world. Thank you for the hundreds of people that saw YOU because of an infant child that just lived a few days. 19 years later, I can see how the whole experience changed me…molded me…made me WHO. I. AM. It is part of my life experience. I wouldn’t be ME without the experience. This is one of my intimate miracles. John says it was a time he felt like he was being “held in God’s hand.”
It is times like this when the sky of our life is cloudy and in the distance, things are hazy.
Moving on…when my son, Andy made his big decision to quit school and move 3000+ miles away from home, I was devastated. How could he give up yet another opportunity? During this time, John kept saying, “I can see God’s hand in the situation. We are just going to have to trust Him.” Oh, please…AGAIN!?! Yes, again! Fast forward 11 months…Andy jokes he has a PhD from the school of hard knocks, but he learned much in his 11 months away. He returned home a different person. He listens to different music. He engages in different activities. He is a NEW CREATURE, one I enjoy being around, having in my home and spending time with. This adventure (that is what I call it) is part of his life experience. Andy wouldn’t be Andy without this experience. This is an intimate miracle for Andy and me!
God take the ugliest, messiest stuff and changes it for HIS honor and glory. Eventually – maybe not in this life – but eventually, we see things in a clearer light…above the clouds so to speak.
We all experience intimate miracles in our lives…have you thought about yours?
My first time joining Thankful Thursdays
Mary, Thank you for visiting my blog. I have spent the last minutes reading your blog and I enjoy each and every post.
My older sister lost a baby 17 years ago. She has several blogs but you might especially enjoy "Caleb's Story."
http://caleb-story.blogspot.com
I'll be back to visit with you soon. Enjoy your day.
what a hard yet amazing trial/miracle that God held you through. that you could be thankful for it? incredible. and definitely a testimony to Him!
Thank you for your beautiful story of praising God for your precious daughter that was on this Earth for such a short time. God brings good out of all circumstances. Sometimes we don't see it at first, but we can be sure he is working. I am glad I found your blog 🙂
The past few months have become a living testimony in my life to how God turns messes into miracles. I have sat in tears more times than I can count in the first part of this year as I FINALLY see the great Hand of God over my past and where He was leading me to through what I thought was the end of the world.
God is SO good. I wonder how I ever could doubt Him.
Amen sister! I hope I'm watching a miracle take place; time will tell.
Hi there, Thank you so much for coming by my place today. I loved hearing your heart of thanksgiving, even in the trials.
Blessings to you and your family as you continue to shine for Him.
Thanks for visiting. Welcome to thankful Thursday. It is great to have a day each week to reflect on the little and big things our wonderful God has done in our lives. Glad to see he is working powerfully in your life too.
thanks again
Edwards Granddaughter
It is tough to see the miracles in trials. Often we need hindsight many years later. When it's too close to see, I continually remind myself that God doesn't make mistakes. And I trust His way is perfect.
Thank you for stopping by my blog, indeed God has a purpose for everything, it may seem bad and evil but he can turn anything or everything for our good, your post reminds me of what Apostle Paul, said in Romans 8:28.
Thank you for sharing your testimony of His goodness.
Hi Mary:
It isn't easy to give thanks in all circumstances, but we can rest assured that for believers, God is working all things for good.
Thank you for visiting my blog and for your sweet comment.
Blessings,
Joan
Hi Mary,
Thank you for visiting Caleb's Story and leaving a sweet comment. I have enjoyed your posts and will be back for more!
Thankfulness surrounding difficult circumstances changed when a message encompassing this scripture filled my ears. When I realized being thankful "in" circumstances NOT "for" circumstances radically changed me. IN the circumstance I can grow, mature, I see His faithfulness and kindness. IN, not FOR…
Thank you for sharing this post.
Have a blessed weekend…
John has such an incredible gift to be able to see the hand of God working in the very moment, even in the midst of such hardship and gift. I know we are all blessed with that ability, but I admit, it often takes much more time — years, even — before I can look back and realize, yes, God was there all along.
Such an incredibly important truth you convey here, Mary. Thank you for that.
Hey Mary,
The pain of your experience touches me so very deeply my friend and because this is something I have never endured, I feel hard pressed to have words to adequately convey what I want to say to you.
Suffice it to know that this post really spoke to me and now I want to explore my most intimate miracles. That is really food for thought. Thank you.
I'll get back with you in an email about other happenings in my life. Thank you for your love, prayers, and concern.
Much love,
D.
These are such beautiful testimonies to God's mercies and working in your life, Mary! Thank you for sharing from your heart. You bless!