One of the surest things that I have learned in my relationship with God is that he is rarely early, never late, and always just on time. His timing may not be mine, but I have found when it came down to the nitty gritty, I could see that his timing was always perfect.

Recently, our 1990 Dodge Caravan needed some repair work. With already over 160,000 miles racked up, I wondered what we were going to do when we needed a new vehicle. Sure enough, when the door wasn’t closing without a few hard shoves and a kick, the money for a new car was available--not too soon, but just at the right time.
What luck! Or was it? I find there are miracles in every aspect of my life--if I look, and if I take the time to say, ‘thanks’.
Our first Christmas in Madison, WI left us somewhat broke, and scraping by. Max was barely three, and Everett one. Their needs and expectations were few, yet still; we wanted to make some sort of showing from Santa. How were we going to pull this off?
One morning at the bus, a wonderful woman named Mary who had befriended us, handed me $50 in Jeffery Dollars from the Toys R Us near the apartment. Without a car or much in the way of funds, this provided all we needed to make a festive showing that Christmas morning.
In all things, I know that God has met our needs. When we first moved into our Madison apartment, we had no bed. I was early in my pregnancy with Paige. Happy with shelter, I didn’t give too much thought to a bed. Somehow we’d find one. After my first day at work in my new job, I came home to two very excited toddlers yelling, “Daddy got you a bed, daddy got you a bed, come see, come see!” They grabbed my hands and dragged me to the bedroom where, sure enough, was a box spring and mattress adorned with the quilt that my mother had made. Shocked, I turned to Tom, and “How in the world…?”
“I was taking out the trash, when a gentleman was throwing the bed out. He said it hurt his back.” He replied.

It had been starting to rain. Tom caught it at the right moment. We slept on that mattress for about four years. We never had a backache.

Another miracle happened November 1993, shortly after Everett was born. We were living on Cape Cod. Funds were tight, and we were renting a drafty house and knew that fuel assistance would come in handy. Tom took the day off, and I walked the three plus miles to the office to apply. Applications were taken in person and on this one designated day. I did not realize that it was somewhat of a lottery system. First come, first served. All the slots were taken by the time arrived. Tom had lost a days pay for this. I wandered away. What was I going to tell him? The sun shown down, the sky was clear, and I felt completely at a loss for what to do. Silently, I walked on. “It’s yours father,” I thought.
I went on to do whatever other errands had to be done. Before I set back for home, I decided to try to call the office. Maybe I misunderstood. Maybe they could get me in. At the pay phone, I deposited the necessary coins. BZZ BZZ. It was busy. I tried again. Still BZZ BZZ. A thought occurred to me to go to the office. I entered the quiet, empty waiting room. I rehearsed in my mind what I would say. As I absently looked at a bulletin board, peace filled my heart. A door opened behind me. I turned to see a woman leaving her office with another. I said to her, “I understand that all your slots are filled, is there anyway I can still apply?”
She nodded toward the woman next to her. “ She doesn’t need to apply. I have time right now.”
I followed the case manager into her office and completed what I came to do.
Had I not been there at that exact moment, would I have been able to complete the application for fuel assistance? I do not know. But I do know that God led me to the office at that exact time and I consider it a miracle.

One of our biggest miracles is Wyatt. Although all our children are special and uniquely crafted for their purpose in life, Wyatt has come as a gift. Michaela came with special needs and this caused some stress within our family life. Tom prayed for help, and along came, Wyatt. At first it was hard to understand how, after all we had been through with Michaela and her medical issues, God would send another with similar needs. Yet, Wyatt has proven to be Michaela’s best friend. She has someone to share similar situations with. They have been hospitalized together, to the numerous doctor appointments together, and shared a love that we can only stand and watch in awe.
Often with his miracles, God often sends a message or sign. While Wyatt was still at the UW hospital recovering from his tracheotomy, a nurse came to me with a little red, summer, jumpsuit with the name ‘Wyatt’ on it. Her sister had gotten it from the Lands End outlet. When she heard about Wyatt’s birth, she thought, he should have it. There was no question in my mind. Wyatt was expected. He was exactly where he was supposed to be.
This Christmas is the greatest miracle of all. Michaela and Wyatt are running around without a trach. They are able to breathe without the complications of a trach. No longer do they need nurses to accompany them to school. This summer, they will most likely be able to take swim lessons. We are thankful that this happened to both at the same time. We hope that through the situations they have lived through, God’s purpose will reveal itself throughout their lives.
Take a closer look. What are the miracles in your life?

The Eclectic Pen » All Stories by Carmela M.

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Comments 1 to 7 of 7

DestyDarlin - - 1/12/2007 3:25 AM ET

Thank you for another wonderful story. They are inspirational and I look forward to reading more.

JoLaine D. (queenmother) - 1/14/2007 11:41 AM ET

Thanks for sharing your belief and love of God and family with us. This story really touched my heart and helped me to remember all the miracles and blessings in my own life.

Jenna S. (jenasmiles) - 1/14/2007 7:51 PM ET

Thanks for sharing your stories. :) I am working on a similar book. I like the casual way in which you have written.

DOLORES S. (greatcop0193) - 3/1/2007 4:00 AM ET

I have a numerous amount of miracles. That is what comes with FAITH.

JOYCE W. (luvthemgoats) - 9/27/2011 10:41 AM ET

Thank you for this touching testimony to Gods great timing and his love for us.

Lorraine J. K. (swindy48) - 5/13/2016 7:25 PM ET

Carmela, thank you for sharing and drawing attention to the miracles you have experienced in your life. I, too, walk in that miracle realm. There is nothing else to call it. When people can't explain and doctors can't explain and yet you've been praying about a situation and God just turns it around, that, folks, is a miracle. Just become open to them and watch in your own life as to what is going on. Don't let anyone tell you differently. God is still in the Miracle Making Business. We're proof !! Lorraine

Jean F. (stampsarefun) - 6/15/2021 7:50 PM ET

I enjoyed it

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