I experienced two mini miracles today.

Moments like this, I normally don’t share; however, my friends and family were a part of it – so I want them to know — and perhaps you will find some comfort too.

Today, in spite of the beautiful sunny morning — I got a late start – I felt a bit of heaviness in my heart – missing loved ones – and moving slowly. Consequently, I chose to go to the 10:55 Connect Service instead of the 9:30 traditional one.

As I drove to church, I was listening to an “oldie but goodie” on the radio. The next song played didn’t interest me; thus, I started tapping the channel button . . . one, two, three times because I didn’t want to listen to commercials. I was about to tap it a fourth time when a familiar tune filled the air.

Instantly, I was captivated. The melody and lyrics of “The Old Rugged Cross” filled the car and enveloped me with a wistful – yet wonderfully warm — sensation. You see – “The Old Rugged Cross” was my daddy’s favorite song. When I was a child — standing next to my father in church — he loved to belt out the words. Daddy couldn’t carry a tune, and he was never on key – but that didn’t keep the joy from his expression. For that reason, “The Old Rugged Cross” was played at my father’s funeral .

He has been gone almost twenty-four years. Some days — it feels like yesterday – and the pain is still raw. Hearing that song today filled my heart with nostalgic memories. Not five seconds after the song came on the radio, my eyes filled with tears – some happy – some sentimental – some sad. Moments later, they were streaming done my cheeks.

I was thankful when I arrived safely in the church parking lot. After taking a few deep breaths to gain composure, I went into the Fellowship Hall – the first people I saw were dear friends of mine.  Within a minute, they told me about the soloist’s amazing performance at the 9:30 service – you guessed it – he sang “The Old Rugged Cross”. Part of me was disappointed I had missed it – yet another part of me was 100% certain I would have had a meltdown if I had witnessed his version of the poignant song.

Obviously – whether in church or in my car — I was destined to hear my daddy’s favorite song today. To be honest . . . I needed to feel him – hear him – remember him . . . and – guess what — my father was there. I could FEEL him.

Thank you, Daddy! Thank you, God, for giving me this uplifting sign when I needed it most.

The second mini miracle unfolded over the course of a week.  I will preface this anecdote by spotlighting a very special group of women – we fondly call ourselves SPPs (Sweet Potato Princesses – don’t ask – it’s a long story 🙂

One of the SPPs — was a kind, loving, wonderful woman; sadly, she passed away a few months ago. We miss her dearly.

Last week – I was having flashbacks about our SPP friend. To curb the sadness, I decided to wear the unique scarf she had given each of us several years ago (for Christmas.) Ironically, while I was out shopping, I stumbled upon the exact scarf hanging on the rack. There was only one.  I knew she had originally purchased it from a small boutique in Kitty Hawk, NC and was surprised to see the scarf sold in my hometown. I was convinced that my discovery was a sign from above and our dear friend was smiling upon us; consequently, I asked the sales clerk to take a picture of me holding the scarf. I later shared the picture with my girlfriends via an email. Of course, all of them were touched by the symbolic gesture. However, one of the girls wrote back – “I’ve lost mine,” she said. “Is there any chance you can go back to the store and buy it?”

Six days had passed since the incident. I highly doubted the scarf was still there – but after church – with excitement rising inside of me – I went to the store. Unfortunately, as I approached the shelves – my anticipation changed to disappointment. The scarf was not where I’d left it. I turned to leave. Something – I am not sure what – pulled me back and inspired me to look more closely. As I rounded the corner and began to sift through the merchandise. There it was! Needless to say – I purchased it and mailed it to my friend who had lost hers.

I don’t get to see my girlfriends as much as I use to in those days when we all lived within a few minutes of each other. Two of us have gone to be with Our Maker and many of us have moved away. Busy schedules and distance prevent us from gathering, but we have our pictures, our videos, and – of courses – our memories. Sometimes those tangible gifts we gave each other help keep our memories vivid and our hearts full. They are gentle reminders of the strength and beauty of friendship!

Today – I was given a flood of beautiful, sweet memories of family and friends. Thank you, God – for the “mini miracles” in my life – You brightened my day.

Sorry for rambling – I feel so blessed – I simply had to share.  When you miss a loved one, do you wear something special to ease the pain in your heart?  Are you open to seeing signs from above?  Do you have a mini miracle in your life you would like to share?