Don's Miracle

Today is Memorial Day. Karina and I went to the river this morning for a jog. When we returned to the parking lot we were met by a man who inquired about the length of the greenway. We told him about the trail that followed the river and then began a pleasant conversation in which we learned a few facts about each other.

Don enjoys exercise and adventure. Naturally I told him about our climbing business and invited him to bring his grown sons along on our father & son camping and climbing retreat in July. He lit up at the invitation and I was sure to get his contact info so I'll have a better chance of closing the sale later on.

We also learned that Don has been married for 40 years.
"You must be a Christian if you've been married 40 years." I said. "That accomplishment wouldn't be possible without God."
"Yes, I'm a devout Christian." Don answered. "There's my Bible in the front seat of my van. And I went to mass yesterday and had a wonderful time, just wonderful."

Another minute of dialog passed as I wrote the details of the climbing retreat in Don's note pad which he kept in a 2.5 inch by 4 inch, cream-colored, vinyl portfolio that I knew had to be older than I am. "I knew there was a reason I carried this thing with me today." He said with a smile.

Soon after I had finished writing, Don asked, "Mind if I tell you about a miracle that happened to me?" He politely gave time for Karina and me to respond, which we did with an enthusiastic and unanimous "Sure!"

"Some years ago I was up in New England. And I wanted to take the ferry over to Cape May to ride my bicycle there. So I paid the toll, put my bicycle down in the storage, and got on board. I was dressed just like this," He gestured to his thin, but healthy frame which was clothed with comfortable cargo shorts and a form-fitting polyester t-shirt. "...and I was riding on top of the ferry"

"It was cold up there and I realized I had made a mistake because I was not prepared for the 50° temperatures. Well, I was shivering and I looked over my shoulder and saw the only other guy up there with me. He had on a navy blue, Notre Dame, hooded, pullover sweatshirt. I thought to myself, 'Boy I'd love to have a pullover like that fella's got.' But I didn't. I thought that maybe once I reached the other side and started riding, I would build up some energy, the sun would shine on me, I'd feel the heat from the blacktop, and I would get warm."

"Well, we finally got to the other side. I waited for all the cars to get off. Then I went down and got my bicycle and started pedaling. I was riding along and I was just shivering and chattering. It was miserable."

"As I was riding, my mind started to think about my relationship with God. I was a Christian but I wasn't as devoted then as I am now. I started to think of what I had read in the Bible. I remembered when Jesus said, 'All things you ask in prayer, believing you shall receive.' I thought, 'Boy I'd love to have a hooded sweatshirt.' Then I started having visions."

"The first vision was of a woman in Sudan. She was praying over her dying child. 'Lord, please give my child something to eat.' But no answer came, and the child died. Then I saw a vision of a woman in Afghanistan. 'Lord, please save my dying mother. Give her just five more years to live or else I'll be alone.' But no answer came, and the woman's mother died."

"After the visions I felt ashamed for desiring such a petty thing as a hooded sweatshirt in comparison to the women in the visions. But then I realized, with God there is nothing too small or large for Him to handle. Every person's needs are important to Him. So I stopped my bicycle on the side of the road and prayed. 'Jehovah, please give me a hooded pullover sweatshirt so I won't be so cold. In the name of Jesus of Nazareth and if it is your will.'"

"I held my hands out while I prayed the prayer and let it go up to God like an offering. Then I got back on my bicycle and rode up over the next hill. At the top of the hill, lying in the middle of the road was a gray, hooded, pullover sweatshirt! It said 'Duke' on it. It hadn't been hit by a car, there wasn't a mark on it. It was lying there with one arm folded over the chest and the other arm outstretched. God had given me a sweatshirt!"

Don actually started to tear up as he related his experience to us. We were thankful that he felt compelled and comfortable enough to share his story with us. And after a few remarks of how God truly cares for us and our needs, we parted ways.

Don's story encouraged me. Maybe it will encourage some of you. Maybe it will raise questions in others. Your comments are welcomed and encouraged.