Why “Miracle”?
The Latin root of the word miracle is the noun miraculum, which is an “object of wonder.” We consider nature itself to be miraculous … a wondrous creation of which we are a part. We believe that one cannot look deeply at any aspect of nature without becoming aware of its extraordinary quality of being. If nature is not a miracle, then what is?
There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.
— Albert Einstein
In certain religious circles, a miracle is an event that is contrary to the laws of nature. In common usage, however, a miracle is anything that is perceived as amazing and unexpected. We consider nature to be thoroughly infused with the miraculous, a miracle in and of itself, which we can touch, feel and be uplifted by, if we but open ourselves to its wonders.
A wildflower unfolding in the forest, a songbird fluting from a treetop, a snail gliding across a leaf … are these not amazing to behold, commonplace yet astonishing “miracles” that elevate and enrich our lives?
“I think the real miracle is not to walk either on water or in thin air, but to walk on earth. Every day we are engaged in a miracle which we don’t even recognize: a blue sky, white clouds, green leaves, the curious eyes of a child — our own two eyes. All is a miracle.”
— Thich Nhat Hanh (Buddhist Monk)
