The Superman Paradox

 Have you ever wondered what it would be like to live with Superman? Think about it. You'd never have to wonder who was at the door. You would always have warm coffee. If you burned dinner and smoked up the house, he could clear it right out for you. If your AC broke, he'd have you covered. Not enough time to make a trip to the store AND get to soccer practice? He could make a run to the store and be back before you buckled yourself in. And the phrase "he hung the moon" wouldn't be too far off the mark.

But if you lived with Superman, and every day the incredible and extraordinary were common-place events, wouldn't the novelty wear off? Maybe; but not necessarily.


We are often told that as Christians, we should do two diametrically opposed things: Expect the miraculous to happen every day because God is so amazing and so powerful, and then be awed and amazed and hold such miraculous events in reverence.  Well, it's sort of hard to hold your morning toast in reverence, even if it magically appeared on your plate out of nothing.

This blog is part of managing those two things. Here's how I try to fulfill both expectations:

1) Recognize that miracles take many forms. Is the sudden healing of a sick child a miracle? You betcha. Is the sole survivor of a statistically terminal accident the recipient of miraculous protection and grace? Yep. Is catching every green light on your way to work an act of God? Actually, yes, yes it is (more so if you happen to live in the D.C. metropolitan area like I do). God gives you what you need, and sometimes, many times, what you receive are miracles. Especially designed to fit into your life on that day...even being 20 minutes late for work is a miracle - you may have been late for work, but you were also late for that 3-care pile-up.

2) Invite a friend to have dinner with you and Superman. By this I mean, share your little (and medium, and big, and ridiculously huge) miracles with someone who isn't exposed to them every day. It's like taking a kid to see the ocean for the first time. What you have already accepted, they are still awed and amazed by.

Christians are commanded to share Jesus with all those they meet. Most of us are a little uncomfortable doing that. But are you uncomfortable telling someone you found a $20 in your jeans when you washed them? Are you uncomfortable telling someone you saw a rainbow on the drive home from work? Are you uncomfortable telling someone you got rock-star parking?  No? Good. Next time you tell someone you found a $20 in your jeans, follow up your happy dance with a short, but clear "Thank You Jesus!" to let your audience know who you credit for your blessings.