Do you see what I see?
Posted on 01/06/2016
News Story

“Do you see what I see?”

“There are two ways to live: you can live as if nothing is a miracle; you can live as if everything is a miracle.”Albert Einstein

Isn’t it interesting that a tremendous scientific mind such as Albert Einstein could be the voice and reminder of the nature of miracles? 

This time of year has us pondering the miracle of Jesus’s birth, the star in the east, angels, wise men, Hanukkah’s miracle of light……….In this season of miracles, we tend to be a bit more open to their possibility.   This acceptance can segue into our everyday lives. Miracles that can and do occur every day, but in the hustle bustle of our daily lives, we sometimes forget to be mindful of everyday events.

In the setting of the classroom and school, we see miracles daily.  These moments rarely arrive in a fanfare of trumpets or with a spectacular triple arched rainbow announcing their arrival.  Indeed, most miracles happen somewhere between a heartbeat and a blink of an eye.  I, personally, am fortunate to witness treasured moments on a regular basis in Shiloh schools. 

Teachers, whom many would argue are angels on Earth, witness these miracles on a regular basis.  They coach and shape a child’s mind until they are ready to read alone.  A child’s first independent reading is indeed an everyday miracle!  They have unlocked a key to nourish their minds with knowledge. 

Teachers encourage and applaud an effort that will eventually lead to successful mastery of a math concept.  When the “light” of understanding registers on a child’s face, it is indeed miraculous – for the student and teacher!   

 Educators uplift those that wish to give up before finishing a tough project.  They witness the completion and the confidence that brings to their students’ lives and results in achievements down the line.

Anyone who has watched a music student transform from not knowing how to assemble their instrument to performing at a concert mere months later has borne witness to a miracle.  Choirs full of earnest, pure faces singing their hearts out is heavenly. 

Those who observe sporting or scholar bowl teams have viewed novice changelings morph into confident and fierce competitors.  These scholar/athletes act on their coaches’ instruction and learn lessons that last a lifetime.

Small. Everyday. Miracles.  Unless we to stop and honor the moment, they can all too quickly be lost. So this season amidst the gift wrapping and rushing around, I’d like to wish your family Happy Holidays and a Merry Christmas and to encourage us all to take a moment to notice and appreciate the small miracles in our community, schools and within our own homes.

It “will bring us goodness and light!”