Thursday, January 15, 2009

A Miracle on the Hudson




It was a miracle on the Hudson.

There is no other explanation for it.

155 people survived a crash landing in the Hudson river.

Everything that could go right in an emergency landing went right, nothing failed. There was a clear space on the Hudson for the plane to rest, the heroic and courageous pilot landed the plane perfectly, the fuel tanks didn't rupture allowing the plane to remain buoyant even as it filled up with water, the remarkable crew and passengers worked together to get everyone off the plane safely and in an orderly manner, and the rescue teams arrived immediately and were able to get everyone to safety within minutes.

The pieces lined up like a slightly scratched up jigsaw puzzle. It was the perfect ending to an American drama, and all the news stations marveled at the incredible stream of coincidences that avoided a tragedy.

A day that could have gone down as a day of mourning, will now be celebrated as day of rejoicing.

We were blessed to see a miracle.

A man who was sitting next to the engine that blew was asked what happened on the plane and what people were doing. In response he answered, "To be honest, everyone was saying prayers."

'They' say there is no atheist in a foxhole. I think 'they' are right.

When a fellow passenger told him no one had died in the crash, a man sauntering off the M98 Limited bus shook his head, waved his newspaper and exclaimed, "There is a God!"

Governer Patterson has coined this incredible event as, "Miracle on the Hudson." But let's not forget that this is a revealed miracle that were blessed to witness.

Let's not forget that every day we are witness to hundreds of miracles in just our little lives. Let's not forget that every day that we wake up breathing and in good health, that too is a miracle.
Let's not forget that every day that we wake up to someone we love, that too is a miracle.
Let's not forget that every day that when we wake up and have a job to go to, that too is a miracle.
Let's not forget that every day that we can hear the sound of the cars driving by and see the rain falling from the sky, that too is a miracle.
Let's not forget that every day that we have another opportunity to smile and do good things in the world, that too is a miracle.
Let's not forget that everyday that we have a chance to call someone and say hello, that too is a miracle.
Let's not forget that everyday that we can cross the street safely, and get a steaming, warm cup of coffee from Starbucks, that too is a miracle.

Every moment of every day miracles abound. We just need to be more attune to them.

A miraculous plane crash may jolt us to be awed for a day or two, but when our inspiration passes how will we maintain our appreciation for the gift of life?

Connect to each moment. Remember it is precious. Remember that there is meaning to every moment of every day. Remember to count your blessings. Remember to open your eyes. Remember that the world is a beautiful place.

Remember, miracles do happen.

After all, there IS a God.

Monday, January 12, 2009

Life is Beautiful



I'm just looking for a little inspiration, a little meaning in my life.

I go from night to day, day to night, trying to find that surge of meaning out of something that doesn't have inherent meaning. Trying to connect to people I don't have an inherent connection with.

But life's a journey, it's a process. Not a destination.

I spoke with my soul sista' tonight and, as usual, we were on were on the same journey, just different details. We connected, we shared our struggles, our feelings of emptiness, of no motivation, of not caring.

"But Raiz, its from these phases that real determination to GET THERE sprouts. That's how I feel...just got to get up and move," She said, emphatically.

Just get up and move.

Just get up and move.

So we plan. How will I move? Where will she go?

And then Matisyahu raps from my computer, "Exaltation my G-d of salvation..."

and

"So high, so low, I don't know where but we've got to go there.."

Just get up and move.

Just get up and move.

Life is not a destination, it's a journey.

Life IS up's and life is downs.

Life IS conflict.

Life IS struggle.

But you gotta keep moving.

Stay connected to your journey.

Because...

Life IS also Beautiful.