They're all around us, these Christmas miracles. They aren't easy to spot, except when they're huge, like the one I experienced the other night.
By definition, a miracle is an unexpected and unexplainable event. My experience was definitely both.
Since frugality is my middle name, I ventured to Goodwill, hoping for some good deals on specific things for my girls. I found one gift for my youngest gal; not the half-price color of the week but cheap enough for me to afford. And in excellent condition. It's even something she mentioned wanting but won't expect. Bonus!
Walking towards the other side of the store, I caught eyes with an older, nicely dressed lady. She smiled. I smiled. (Under our masks, of course.) A boy about my youngest's age walked with her. A gentleman followed behind them.
They kept going.
I kept going, in their opposite direction.
About five minutes later, they somehow stood before me. Honestly, I don't know where they came from. 😀. The boy approached me, holding a crisp $50 bill in his right hand. "Hi." His voice was shaky. "This is for you. I hope you have a Merry Christmas."
Drop mic.
Huh?
What did that kid say? And what's he wanna do with that fifty dollar bill? Give it to me?
I think I shook my head. I know I didn't speak.
Brows furrowed, I caught the lady's eyes again.
She nodded. "Yes, it's for you." Looking at the blonde headed boy, she continued, "This is all his idea. He likes to help others."
I must've shook my head in acknowledgement or something because she told Carson, "Go ahead, you can hand it to her."
I reached for it, unable to recall the last time I'd held a crisp $50 bill. I thanked them profusely. Feeling compelled to share some backstory I said, "I don't know what y'all believe about God..."
"Oh, we love God," she said.
I continued. "I used to be close to Him. But the last year and a half I've been working through some anger." Those brows furrowed again. "I don't know what to make of this. Something weird has happened. You see, I've been on unemployment since May. It ran out a few weeks ago. I've been searching for a job with no luck."
Their eyes, even Carson's, stayed fixed on me. Their ears attentive. My body shook, from the disbelief perhaps.
"On my way here, I told the Universe, God, the air...whoever might listen...that I am grateful for all the help we've received. Yet, I'd love to get each of my girls one extra special unexpected gift." I said, "if only I had an extra $50..."
If only...
I looked at Carson.
"If this wasn't a Covid world, I'd ask if I could hug you. You've got a huge, caring heart. Don't ever lose that. Thank you, Carson. Thank you very much. All of you."
They smiled and nodded, probably chatted about the miracle in that story. Probably grateful for their part in improving my Christmas. I know I'm grateful.
The next day, Christmas Eve, I struck an amazing deal with one of my older daughter's friends for several new items we know she'll love. They'll be such unexpected gifts for her.
I found a few other gifts for my youngest and was able to get her a $10 gift card for something special. She'll be thrilled.
She made me open one of my gifts Christmas Eve night...a box full of items that represent her. She included a long letter filled with appreciation, and encouragement for me not to feel bad about this Christmas. She said she's content and will be happy just being with her family. She praised me. She floored me.
My other daughter has told me similar things in the last couple weeks. I'm grateful. What mom wouldn't be?
And my son, who is living far away from home for the first time, is staying connected with us. I was able to send his gifts to him via a friend who visited Nashville last week. We miss him but look forward to video sharing on Christmas afternoon. I'm so proud of him. And he was encouraged to hear of my Christmas Miracle. He was the first person I called, while I stood in Goodwill. Because I couldn't wrap my head around the event. In some ways, I still can't.
Maybe that's part of the mystique. I don't know. I guess I don't have to know. I just have to remain grateful. And remember.
How about you...any little or big Christmas miracles happen for you or because of you???
Thanks for reading, Friend.
Merry Christmas🌲!
❤, Me, Erica Senecal