Remembering the Miracles of Life

Why remember?

Why must we every now and then remember to reflect upon the things that happen unexpectedly? Many of you know about the stroke I had. The experience was profound, and although I healed quickly by all medical standards, I still carry some of the effects of that stroke. My continuing healing journey is a daily reminder of the miracle of life.

I recall another incident that involved a momentous string of events. My wife and I were driving to work, when I came to the top of a hill in Kaimuki. As I drove over the top of the hill, I was talking with Patti, when I turned to look at her for only a second and noticed that her face registered horror. I turned back toward the road and realized that she was looking at five lanes of bumper-to-bumper traffic and I was moving too quickly to stop.

I had no time to pray. I could only call out Jesus' name. As I stepped on the brakes, I saw a little girl staring at me from the back seat of the car I was about to hit. If I turned the wheel a little bit, I thought, I would at least avoid slamming into her with the full force of my car.

After that, only silence filled the air. It was as if I had already died. Everything seemed in slow motion. Then, suddenly, a defining moment: I heard my wife crying. I opened my eyes, and slowly but surely, the scene came back into focus and I saw that I was on the other side of all that traffic. I had miraculously avoided disaster as if guided by a higher power.

Now that, my friends, was a true miracle. Miracles can't be explained. Even as I write this missive, I can offer no explanation for what happened. In the normal course of events, I wouldn't even venture to tell anyone this story, because it was so surreal. But my wife was there and she could validate the experience. I still remember the eyes of that little girl as I was careening toward her. Yet she was okay and so were we. Where did all those cars go and how did we manage to get away without a scratch? It was indeed a miracle.

It's important to remember the miracles in our lives. Yours may not be as dramatic as those I just mentioned, but miracles come in all sizes and each has a purpose. We are here to live up to the miracles life presents us with, so when you go through your day, remember the miracles, and most of all, remember that life itself is a miracle.

Kahu

© 2009 Kahu Fred Sterling