Have you ever just sat back and thought of all the small miracles that brought you to this point of your life?

I wrote this several years ago but it is still true.

Have you ever just sat back and thought of all the small miracles that brought you to this point of your life.  Two days ago while in a meeting I began to think of just that very subject.  Later on that same evening I kept thinking of how the people that I have encountered in my life have made me who I am now.  No matter how good or bad the experiences each person we meet has played a part in our creation.  We all are so busy existing but not really living.  We lead this fast paced life and seldom look up to see the beauty of it all.  The small miracles that we have encountered along the way.  So I decided to share my story with people that I meet in order to testify to these miracles. 


About eight years ago I met a wonderful man who at the time was heaven sent.  He was not what I thought of as my match but he fit.  After meeting his daughter and getting her approval we had a brief courtship.  At this time I did not know but I was about to lose my grandmother, who had been around most of my life.  She was a very strong woman who had endured and survived the best and worst of times.   She was dying of cancer and after a terrible bought with cancer she died before her 74th birthday.  After this one day my beau and I decided to get married on a whim.  I had already moved in with him and his daughter.  We got married in August not too long after my birthday and soon after we had our first major upheaval.  His daughter had a friend living with us, this already dysfunctional relationship was strained with another teen.  His daughter was drinking and drugging heavily.  We were both working long hours and I was commuting to the other side of town.  We tried to get past all this by doing things when we did have time.  Not too long after I was promoted and given a salaried position.  Within days of my promotion I became ill.  


The doctors diagnosed me with a brain aneurysm.  I was told on the phone after I was released from the hospital after being admitted 2 weeks prior.  I was out on sick leave for 5 months while doctor after doctor tested me to see what could be wrong.  Two of the elders visited me at the hospital on my 3rd stay and prayed over me for a solution.  An episode of House it was not.  There was no solution in an hour.  Members of our church and my family got us through this hard time.  At the end of the 5 months after meds, some days barely walking and losing 90 lbs, I found a neurologist who had a solution to my health crisis. My problem was simple after the aneurysm vanished off of the MRI scans, I had complex migraines.  Now with the aneurysm out of the picture, I could begin a program to diminish the migraines. I remained on this treatment till 2 months ago.  
However through all the medical issues and family struggles he decided to end our marriage of 7 years.  He had seen through several promotions, illness, ex issues and issues with my children who didn't approve of my divorce and remarriage. But now were happy that I was getting a divorce.  Not understanding that I would be alone again.  

A few months after the divorce I was diagnosed with another condition, fibromyalgia for which there is no cure.  More meds and days of extreme pain, but also a man who believed in God.  He prayed with me and for me that I would find a solution to my circumstances that would allow me to live.  I could hardly work or do anything.  I worked in retail and it was the height of the season.  I spent more time at the doctor or emergency clinic trying to manage the pain and stress from the divorce and work.  Three months ago after fourteen years of working for my company, I came home in the middle of the afternoon,  upset with the people I worked with for their lack of maturity and constant bickering.  I decided to apply for anything closer to home that would relieve some of the stress. The new doctor told me the week prior that I needed to lessen my stress even if that meant taking a job out of my field.   I applied for a receptionist position at a spa.  It was close to home and not so much on the feet.  I was interviewed the next day.  Right before the interview I sat in my car and prayed that this would be my solution.  I had a good feeling.  Little did I know the woman who was to interview me was on the phone with a friend praying for a similar solution.  I commented on the positive vibe that I got from the spa.  How relaxing I felt the minute that I walked in and sat down.  The very next day the owner of the spa interviewed me.  As we walked into one of the rooms I noticed that she had a bible with her.  As we talked and laughed I began to feel the weight go away.  A few days later after a background check I was hired.  As I work there I see the power of human touch, kindness and most of all God.  I have begun to change my life in many ways.  Taking time for me to be with nature and to nurture myself. 

I told this story to the Assistant Clinic Administrator a few days ago after a class on sales techniques.  As I shared this with her I could see the beauty of my testimony in her eyes and her tears.  I intend on sharing this with the Clinic Administrator as well as the owner of the clinic.  There is much more to this story, more people and small but significant acts of kindness and love.  They know their role in my life and I in theirs.


The miracles that we ignore on a day to day basis as we look down not up hold us back in so many ways.  Its when we look up that we can see the beauty and the majesty of life and God's miracles.  I have just begun to open my eyes and I challenge others to do the same.  No matter who you are or where you are in life miracles are occurring just open your heart and eyes.

Questions to stop asking yourself

        1. "What's wrong with me?" 
I have been guilty of asking myself this very question.  In my past through abuse, rape, a  dominate spouse, divorces and poor relationships with family I assumed it was me that was the problem. Yes, I had things to work on about my personality. Yes, I still am working on me. However, I was not the issue. If someone did not like me it was their issue.  I look back to high school. My senior year I was told that I was too ugly to be in cosmetology class. I carried this with me for years. I never believed that I was pretty. As I got older, I did not care what people thought of me I still don't.  After theraphy, countless self help books and sharing my experience I no longerr ask this question.

        2. "What's going to happen?" 

On occasion I am still guilty of this one. However, when that question comes into my mind I simply say "Jesus take the wheel. I am yours to do as you will." None of us know what is going to happen. I try to see myself in a positive situation. At this moment I have left working for someone else and am working for myself. I keep seeing myself with clients. I see myself building my business. I see myself with family and friends happy.  I see myself traveling.  I try to remain positive and when faced with negative I take a deep breath and try to see a positive way out. Worrying about it will get you nowhere.

        3. "How will I ever get out of this?" 

No matter if it is a bad relationship or job, there is always a way out.  Sometimes you have to take a leap of faith. Other times you have to be an active participant.  It is dependant on the seriousness of the situation. Thinking through situations is the best defense against putting yourself in bad events. Asking for help is the second.  You may have to swallow your pride but you will get out. 

        4. "Where will the money come from?" 


This has/was my question in the last week. Monday the 11th was my last day working for someone else. I am working for myself now and responsible for everything.  I spent my first day at the salon on Wednesday. I spoke to one client that was interested in a facial.  I did not have clients but worked on my rack cards and database. I was scared and nervous.  I have limited bills but need money to pay them and my rent for my suite.  I also start class June 1 and will need a book and tuition.  I prayed. I went to the campus Thursday and talked to financial aid and had my entire semester paid for with grants. Friday I had two clients scheduled. First client was a no call no show. I felt defeted. I started praying.  My friend was there so I asked him if he wanted a facial. I had been wanting to practice perfecting a treatment and was able to try it out on him.  I felt better.  I did not intend on charging him but he paid anyway.  My second client came in and love the facial. I was back on track. I keep looking at my bank account and had paid for a class to enhance my business. I kept thinking OMG this money could carry me for a month. But I paid for the class instead and kept praying. Today I have had 3 people book for the service (that I took the class for) and have 2 others waiting. I am still praying.