Miracles

  This time of year people begin talking about miracles. There are many types of miracles mentioned including the miracle of Christmas, healing miracles, the miracle of someone surviving a natural disaster, or just the miracle of a natural occurrence, such as the birth of a child.   The true definition of the word is an event not explicable by nature or scientific law. Many doubt that miracles occur at all, and others are convinced they occur frequently—if you just know how to identify them. American author Lemony Snicket described them this way: “Miracles are like meatballs, because nobody can exactly agree what they are made of, where they come from, or how often they should appear.”

  In medicine we see many things that can fall into the “miracle” category. Patients have problems that our training and experience tell us they cannot survive, yet they do. How can science explain such an event? Many times the authorities will mumble something about an incorrect diagnosis or some other marginal explanation and then refuse to discuss the issue. As an “old guy” who has been around many critically ill patients over the course of my career, I can truthfully say that I have seen and been a part of miracles of healing. There was absolutely no way some patients should have survived. It certainly was neither my surgical skills nor modern therapy that should have helped the patient, but the patient survived. Is that a miracle? I can tell you for sure there was no law of nature or science that I or any of my colleagues could find to explain the outcome. I assure you that I am a firm believer in these events occurring, no matter what you may call them, because I have seen it.

  Do you think you could be someone’s miracle? That sounds like a silly question—how could anyone be a miracle, especially for someone else? During my international travels I am honored to interact with many people who have severe needs. During one visit at a very rural African hospital, I saw a sign on the outpatient clinic wall which said, “Don’t Give Up; Your Miracle Is On The Way.” What could that have meant? Many times for people with severe needs, their miracle is a good meal, clean water to drink, or a clean dressing for their wound. We may not consider the action a big deal, but to the patient in need, it is a miracle since no one else could provide it for them. If you are able to provide what they need, indeed, you are their miracle.

  It is easy for us to think that as only one person, we would not be able to make much of a difference in peoples’ lives, especially those around the world. Don’t be so sure. Dr. Robert Schuller said, “Impossible situations can become possible miracles.” Trying to help “the world,” or even those next door who are in need, can seem like an impossible task. In my work I try to help the world one person at a time. There is no way I can help everyone with a wound in Africa, Haiti, Alabama, or wherever I might go, but I can help one person at a time. Helen Keller was correct when she said, “When we do the best that we can, we never know what miracle is wrought in our life, or in the life of another.” Be involved and help one person at a time, wherever you might be, and see what the ripple effect of that work will be.

  Yes, indeed, you might be someone’s miracle. It is a bit intimidating to think that someone might be waiting on you to provide their miracle. Too much responsibility you say? Just remember what writer Willa Cather knew: “Where there is great love, there are always miracles.”

  Merry Christmas.