Just Because It's Tangible

In my reading of Faith Precedes the Miracle today, the chapter was written in response to missionary's letter to President Kimball in which he voiced his feeling that we have no record of continuing revelation.  It goes on to explain many instances of revelation and discusses the exodus from Illinois to the Salt Lake Valley.  It talks about how, just because it is something that happened in modern day, doesn't make it any less miraculous.  And really, when you think about it, how different is it from the exodus of Israel led by Moses.

I think sometimes we do not give our miracles enough credit.  If you look for them, they are everywhere.  According to www.merriam-webster.com, a miracle is, "an extraordinary event manifesting divine intervention in human affairs" .  In the talk, "Miracles" by Elder Oaks in the June 2001 Ensign, he states said, "...many miracles happen every day in the work of our Church and in the lives of our members."  As I watch LJ, with all of his 3-year old energy, it is miraculous that he does not get hurt more often than he does.  I am certain countless mothers have seen something similar and wondered just how many angels were recruited to watch over and ensure the safety of their child at a particular time of peril.  While on my mission, I witnessed many miracles, not the least of which being a hardened heart that softened and accepted the gospel with vigor.  One experience, that I feel comfortable sharing in this forum, occurred when one of the ladies we were teaching was very sick.  She asked us for a blessing.  We explained that, as sisters, we could not give her a blessing but that we could say a prayer with her.  She asked for us to do that.  I do not remember a single word of the uttered prayer but I do remember feeling divinely directed in the words used and how I felt.  Later that day, the elders stopped by to give her a blessing.  She said she did not need one because she was feeling 100%.  That was a strong testimony to me about the power of prayer and faith to lead to miracles.

Speaking of missions, here is a fun-fact from the aforementioned talk by Elder Oaks.  Comparing death rates between the general population and the missionary population it states, "our young men and young women are eight times safer in the mission field than the general population of their peers at home.  In view of the hazards of missionary labor, this mortality record is nothing less than a miracle."  (Note to self:  When fretting over sending my own sweet kids into the mission field, remember this fact and my own experiences from my mission that reinforce it.)

So what would be considered a miracle to the Divine?  I've heard another definition of miracle include the idea that a miracle is something that we cannot control.  Heavenly Father chooses not to control our will.  We have our own agency to use as we please without him forcing us one direction or another.  In that respect, each time we make a choice that draws us closer to him, it could be considered a miracle.  Certainly, with some people, that choice is not unexpected.  Does that make it any less than a miracle?  I think not.  In the scriptures, it talks of angels "rejoicing" over us and the miracle of us repenting, coming unto Christ, and bearing testimony.  Think of that - the Lord of the whole universe, rejoices over you.  To He who orchestrates virtually all other miracles, you are a miracle.