Signs … Luck or Miracles?

Have you ever wondered if the universe is trying to tell you something? I can’t say that I am great at seeing signs. Yes, I follow the tangible signs like traffic signs, informational signs, and warnings that are easily visible and understood. However, I’m not the best at seeing or understanding the more discreet signs—those sent to me from a greater power. Please don’t think I’m going off the deep end. Once I share with you the most impactful sign that has changed my life’s perspective, you might spend a little more time looking for your own.

My life-changing event begins back in 2016. That was the first year I decided to plant extra veggies for the underserved. God had graced me with my mother’s green thumb gene, and I was on a path to change the world. And then a garden disaster struck! We had left for a one-week vacation that August, and when we returned, the neighbors in charge of the watering and harvesting had misunderstood my garden care guidelines. So much of the garden had succumbed to the scorching sun, and my glorious pole beans were the size of matzo balls! I cried and felt an overwhelming sense of failure. My plan to feed those less fortunate had become a disaster. I tore out the majority of the garden and decided that my plan was not to be.

That night, I just couldn’t sleep. My dreams of changing the world had been shattered. I decided to get up and find something to read. My dear friend Ondrea Hall had given me “365 Saints: Your Daily Guide to the Wisdom and Wonder of Their Lives” by Woodeene Koenig-Bricker for my birthday one year. I pulled it from the shelf and closed my eyes. I ran my thumb through the pages and simply picked a page, hoping I would read something to make me feel better. I opened my eyes, and I was looking at August 29th … Mother Teresa of Calcutta (who wasn’t a saint when the book was written). There on that page were the words I needed to read: “We are all sent divine messages every day. These messages ask us to shake up our settled routines and look for new ways to bring love and caring into the lives of the people around us.” Perhaps, I thought, next year I’d try again. But the story doesn’t end there.

Just a few weeks later, on September 20th, I witnessed the most beautiful, life-changing sign. As I walked through my garden, feeling a bit disheartened, I noticed something unusual. The letter “A” had been spun from the silk of a garden spider. The delicate web stretched across my garden trellis, shimmering in the light. It was as if the spider had woven a message just for me, a

Spiderweb A

sign of encouragement and hope. I knew in that moment that there was a greater power watching over me and guiding me. I would continue on the path to grow vegetables that I could share with others. I’m not sure if gardening is considered a talent, but I was taught that we should use our talents to make the world a better place.

Since that garden disaster, I have donated over 350 pounds of veggies and am on track to donate and sell over one hundred pounds of produce, duck eggs, and sourdough bread just this year. This journey has reaffirmed my belief in using our gifts to help others and has shown me that even in the face of setbacks, perseverance can lead to incredible outcomes.

Have you ever watched the movie Signs? It’s one of my favorites because it beautifully captures the idea that the universe is full of hidden messages waiting to be discovered. There’s a line where Rev. Graham Hess, played by Mel Gibson, says, “See, what you have to ask yourself is what kind of person are you? Are you the kind that sees signs, that sees miracles? Or do you believe that people just get lucky? Or look at the question this way: Is it possible that there are no coincidences?” This line resonates deeply with me, reminding me of the spiderweb “A” and the belief that there are no coincidences, only signs guiding us on our path.

: Signs (2002), directed by M. Night Shyamalan.

I would be remiss if I didn’t share that when I was seven years old, our mom took us to see Mother Teresa in Toledo, Ohio. She was speaking at the Toledo Cathedral, and my four siblings and I loaded up in the pale-blue Impala to listen to her words about bringing love and caring to the most vulnerable in our world. At the end of her speech, before she was to be whisked away to another venue, a line of children formed. She began to hug each of the children—I was in that line and received a hug from the greatest humanitarian of our generation.

At seven years old, I was a little afraid. The crowd, the anticipation, and the presence of such a revered figure were overwhelming. I didn’t fully understand the significance of that hug at the time. It was only years later that I realized how profound that moment was. Mother Teresa’s words about love and caring for the most vulnerable echo in my heart and guide my actions. That simple embrace from Mother Teresa became a symbol of compassion and dedication that has guided me throughout my life. Someone told my mother that I was considered a third-class relic. I don’t know about that, but I do believe that she has changed my life for the better.

So, do you see signs as luck or miracles? Perhaps it’s time to start looking for your own.