"Look Up" : A Miracle

    A while back I wrote about joy and how I learned that joy is what God wants for his children (that's you and me).  I think often about this quote: 

"The joy we feel has little to do with the circumstances of our lives and everything to do with the focus of our lives." 

    It is with this in mind that I have decided to document the miracles I have seen in my life. Some people might look at them and think, "Big deal," but to me, looking for miracles, great and small, actually brings me so much peace, joy, and gratitude.

    I was having a rough day. We've all had these days where we just feel really low and down. I went on a walk hoping to boost endorphins, clear my head, and get out of my rut. It seemed as though every step just added to the weight of things so I stopped at a nearby Elementary school to sit and pray. 

    My heart was so sad and I was feeling pretty hopeless. I sat on that bench and felt so alone. I wondered if anyone cared, God included. I have felt God's love and concern before but in that moment I was not feeling it. I poured out my frustrations in prayer. I just needed to feel seen. That's when I heard the words in my mind so clearly, "look up".

    I looked up to see the most beautiful heart cloud. As soon as I saw it, I buried my face in my hands, overcome with God's love and awareness. I was certain my prayer had been heard and God was reminding me of that. I was seen, known, and loved. It was just what I needed, right when I needed it. I snapped pictures and continued to stare at the cloud. It only lasted moments. This was such a miracle to me.

    Elder Ronald A. Rasband said, "Many of you have witnessed miracles, more than you realize. They may seem small in comparison to Jesus raising the dead. But the magnitude does not distinguish a miracle, only that it came from God. Some suggest that miracles are simply coincidences or sheer luck. But the prophet Nephi condemned those who would “put down the power and miracles of God, and preach up unto themselves their own wisdom and their own learning, that they may get gain.” Miracles are wrought by divine power by Him who is “mighty to save.” Miracles are extensions of God’s eternal plan; miracles are a lifeline from heaven to earth."

As tempting as it might be to chalk life up to coincidence or luck, I know better. As I "seek and expect miracles" in my life, I see them for what they are. Miracles.