Small Miracles

"Give and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For the measure you use, it will be measured to you." Luke 6: 38

I have had big miracles in my life, miracles that have left me stunned and in awe. But yesterday I experienced a small miracle that warmed my heart and reminded me that God is truly interested in my everyday life and well-being. Two events occurred and together those events softened some pain and strengthened a fading faith.

The first event was the loss of a friend. In fact, I have had a lot of loss lately. In less than a year I have lost my youngest brother and four friends. The particular friend I am talking about was a funny, generous, and friendly open book. She loved the Blessed Mother, the rosary, and a good laugh. In fact, she passed away saying the rosary in her favorite chair.

The second event was my search for a religious community that fit my need to follow Jesus through Mary, honor my devotion to the contemplative rosary, and connect me to my new parish. A full year after being invited, I joined our parish’s legion of Mary. At my second meeting I was asked to if I would like the beautiful statue of Our Lady of Fatima to visit my home for a week. Of course, I said yes. It was such an honor to have the members of the legion come and bring the statue. I set her up where I pray and write each morning. I was also given a book to record any prayer requests or thoughts during the week.

Then, looking in the book, the miracle was found. My friend, the one I just lost, had written in the book. I wasn’t even aware that she had joined the very same legion of Mary group. It seems she had the statue visit her home just before she died. The message she wrote was one of faith, and peace. Her joy at having the statue and saying her rosary before it touched me deeply. It gave me that same peace and joy that she had experienced. I know that Mary came for my friend. I know that my friend is up in heaven probably talking everyone’s ear off and making rice pudding). It was God’s way of letting me know that I didn’t really lose anyone. They just went ahead of me. And my friend sent me that message through Mary. A small miracle!