I don't know why...A Chanukah miracle

In the midst of this chaotic world, it is often hard to see God at work. We go to the grocery store and lament when a car sneaks by us and steals a prime parking spot. Other times, we complain when church runs long. Or we become distraction while cooking, and our highly delicious meal overcooks and transforms into shoe leather. During all these circumstances, God is at work. When we say, "I don't know why..." God may just in fact be answering prayers.

This week was the big week in which several of my Cyber Monday shopping packages were scheduled to be delivered. I was very excited because one company has a loyalty program in which you earn points based on your purchase amount. The points expire within 60 days of creating an order. I usually am not able to use the points; however, this year, I had a coupon for an extra 15% off my next purchase. With this 15% off discount along with the company's monthly deals and using my loyalty points, I was set to reel in some excellent savings.

One issue plagued me. When ordering a few weeks ago, some items I wanted were out of stock. Other items I was notified were backordered. Some of the backordered items were slated to ship out in the next couple weeks. Over items were simply cancelled from my order. With this all being said, I was highly confused which items were actually sent out. I really needed to get the packages and sort everything out.

I was notified via email my packages arrived. I was happy and yet sad. My mailbox is a long hike from my house. In order to get my packages, I had to get in the car and drive to the mailbox. I was not feeling well--fatigue and fever kept me in bed, not wanting to move. I was lamenting to God about my troubles. "Oh, LORD, I really need those packages to figure out what to buy. But, I am not feeling well. I hate leaving the packages in the mailbox. But I am so exhausted."

Five minutes later, my doorbell rings. My neighbor is standing at my door with my packages. As soon as I open the door, she days, "Your packages were left in my mailbox. I don't why the mailman left them in my box. The packages clearly have your address on them. We don't have the same address. This is not acceptable..." As my neighbor was complaining, I was sending up praises to God. "Oh, thank You LORD!!! Thank You for answering my prayer. Of all the people in the world You could have chosen to leave my packages with, You left them with my very sweet neighbor. Oh what a blessing it is that she even came to my door and delivered them!"

I was also doing an invisible happy dance upon seeing my neighbor. A few weeks ago, my parents invited my neighbor and her husband over for a meal. My neighbor left one her dishes at our house. I had tried a couple times to deliver the dish back to my neighbor, but every time I tried, no one seemed to be home. Now, here my neighbor was at my door. I quickly scurried away and gave my neighbor back her dish. It was a tremendous relief to return the item back to her.

After my neighbor left, I was smiling ear to ear. All my troubles had instantly disappeared. My packages were in my possession. I could figure out what items I needed to order. My neighbor now had her dish back. I kept thanking the LORD over and over again for Hs abundant kindnesses. I then realized, "Oh, it's Chanukah! LORD I have been asking for Chanukah miracles...and this year, so many things have gone wrong during this Festival of Lights. But now, you are showering me with so much love. Thank You and Happy Chanukah!"