Little miracles…
May I never forget the good things he has done for me? -Psalms 103:2
One of my favorite songs has the following lyrics: “…I’ve got miracles on miracles, a million little miracles. Miracles on miracles, count your miracles – one, two, three, four. I can’t even count them all.”
Reflecting on my life, I get chills thinking of how accurate these words are.
I was blessed to spend time with my eight-year-old nephew in July, and I noticed him differently during that time period.
His fresh little spirit and happy smile made me stop and think, “He’s always collecting people.” His willingness to genuinely love people makes his life complete, and his smile is delightful. He’s always joking, laughing, and finding joy in the moment.
His natural style has made me reflect on the divine connections in my life—the “million little miracles” God orchestrated in his timing and through his will.
I perhaps look at my nephew fondly because I recall “collecting people” starting years ago. My parents would laugh because I’d go places - really anywhere - and come home with “pen pals” I could keep in touch with!
I recently came across a bin of miscellaneous cards that had been given to me throughout my lifetime. As I scanned them, I was reminded of how meaningful connections are in our lives. Even the tiniest of interactions hold a purpose.
My nephew’s attitude and the words of A Million Little Miracles guide me to see - to really see - how God is always “connecting dots,” even if, at that moment, we’re not keenly in tune with the dot…or the importance of the dot…or where it’s perhaps leading us…or what prayer it’s the answer to.
Here’s why “dots” matter:
I sought a partner to help design my brand when I started my business. I had contacted several people and agencies, but their quotes were too high, especially for someone starting from scratch with no clients or revenue. As a result, I was feeling frustrated and defeated.
During that time, I was also fighting an unexpected cancer journey and had gone through multiple rounds of chemotherapy. One afternoon, after returning from an infusion at Mayo with my sister, my neighbor surprised us with a tater tot casserole. As we chatted, a lightbulb went off, “Hey, he’s a freelance designer.”
At that moment, I felt God answering my prayer about who to partner with for my design needs. Our partnership is still strong, and it all started with a tater-tot casserole! (I will never look at tater tot casserole the same way again!)
This is just one of the many “dots” God has orchestrated throughout my lifetime. And if you’re willing to let your heart sense them, this is true for you, too.
As I’ve noted, the people I’ve been blessed to “collect” and see the dotted line as to why floods my soul with gratitude beyond measure and makes my heart pound in peace.
It guides me to trust God even when life feels like a mystery. Even when it feels like God’s not listening, it’s taught me not to be scared of life’s silent moments because I’ve learned that each pause is lined with tremendous purpose and that each closed door means something better is ahead.
When I reflect on prayers that have been answered all across the board - in various ways - including some that God has vetoed (!), it reinforces that God is ordering every detail of my life. It urges me to live in faith. To discipline my thoughts to go from faith to faith, to faith, to faith. (Romans 1:17) To be consistently confident, not occasionally. To live in the mindset of: “Whatever God wants, whenever God wants. As God wants.”
I encourage you to take on my little nephew’s attitude and freely collect people. As you do, notice the dots. Notice how divine each connection is. Notice the dotted lines. Notice how they match your life principles, priorities, and purpose. When you choose to notice, your jaw will drop, and your heart will be captured!
“Everything in life is most fundamentally a gift. And you receive it best, and you live it best by holding it with very open hands.” -Leo J ODonovan
Photo by Averee Kreutzfeldt at Bar 33 Ranch, Blaisdell, North Dakota