Recognizing Everyday Miracles

 

Looking back on my life, there have been moments that felt like miracles. Yet, part of me believes they were the natural outcomes of relentless effort—results shaped by cause and effect. Still, I once heard someone say, “Every seemingly ordinary day is a series of miracles.” They continued: “It’s a miracle that we were born into this world. It’s a miracle to wake up each morning and still be alive. It’s a miracle that air exists and we breathe without thinking. It’s a miracle that we can stand, walk, and go about our day...” When framed this way, it's true—daily life is filled with miracles we often overlook. When something unexpected happens, we are reminded how fragile those "ordinary" things really are. That same person added, “If we can learn to feel gratitude for these everyday miracles, we will no longer fear loneliness—and luck will begin to favor us.” It’s been nearly three years since I retired, and I still feel far from that state of mind. But as I grow older and become more aware of my physical and intellectual decline, I suspect I’ll come to appreciate even the smallest aspects of daily life. Perhaps then, I’ll truly understand the quiet power of gratitude.

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