Sunday, December 8, 2024
“Christmas Miracle”
Recently, I was asked by a member of the press if I wouldn’t mind sharing a “Christmas Miracle” that I may have witnessed since my arrival on Longboat Key. I felt that the reporter was hoping I would share a very specific incident that I could describe.
I spent the evening thinking about the question and realized that I had two different options that I could’ve shared. My first option was to share something very specific, such as the two cures for cancer that I’ve witnessed or possibly the individual who has survived a major stroke, serious injury from a fall, and even organ failure.
However, the second option is the one that is most obvious to me. It stands out because I believe it is currently still in the works. Namely, I’m referring to the recovery efforts of the Chapel and our surrounding community. We are very far from being put back together following Hurricanes Helene and Milton, but in just sixty days, the island almost looks like nothing ever happened.
Of course, those of us who are residents have grown used to the debris that is still lodged in the top of the trees. But we are helping to make things beautiful again. Roads and sidewalks are clean. Restaurants and shops are reopening. The Chapel’s Christmas Garden looks even more incredible than in previous years, and the eagles are rebuilding their nests.
Two months ago, I don’t think any of us could have predicted that Christmas blessings were possible for us. Most of us would probably have said we’re gonna skip Christmas this year. Yet, here we are. We found strength that we didn’t know we had. We discovered new ways to cope and survive with limited resources. We changed our expectations and began to focus on our most urgent needs and we’re choosing to be okay with it. We have a new perspective on everything, and though it was forced upon us, we are in much better shape than we would have thought. Yes, we are living in one giant miracle that is filled will all kinds of smaller ones.
Miracles do exist and the best ones are still ahead. God isn’t finished with any of us. If today is difficult, take a few moments to reflect on what the LORD has already done. It’s a miracle that anyone, let alone God, would have such great love, passion, and desire for each of us!
“He alone is your God, the only one who is worthy of your praise, the one who has done these mighty miracles that you have seen with your own eyes.” (Deuteronomy 10:21, NLT)