Once upon a time, there was an elderly woman who decided to do a good deed. She gathered up all the things she no longer needed, which had been lying around her house and giving her no peace. Among them were beautiful blouses, dresses, hats, and skirtseverything that was just taking up space. She thought, Ill take all of this to the local church, in case someone else might need it. Perhaps the homeless or refugees will find use for it.
She packed everything into a large bag and set it down in the corner. She decided shed take it over the next day, and then she went off to bed.
That night, believe it or not, she had the strangest dream.
She felt as though her soul floated above her body, watching everything unfold from above. Everything around her was so bright, even though she was still in her flat. Her spirit felt filled with happiness.
The woman was standing in the middle of her room, holding the bag shed so carefully packed, ready to take to the church. And just then, a little girl appeared before her.
What have you got in the bag? the girl asked.
The woman smiled and replied, Oh, Ive gathered up some things I dont need. Theyre just cluttering up my space. I want to give them to those who truly need them. Tomorrow, Ill bring them to church.
Youre very kind, said the girl. But your bag doesnt look very niceits rather grubby. Give it a wash before you bring it along, will you?
All right, all right, promised the woman.
And dont forget! the little girl smiled and then vanished.
The woman awoke with a start. She leapt from bed, trying to recall her dream. Was it an angel or something like that?
She looked at the bag and began unpacking everything. Well, if it needs a wash, shed wash it.
It all sounds rather daft, I know. Perhaps the old lady was being silly and putting too much faith in a dream. You might say she was superstitious, but Id disagree. I might have thought it nonsense myself, if not for what happened next, which Ill share now.
There was once a family blessed with a new sonnot their firstborn, their second child. The parents decided to invite friends and family over to celebrate this happy occasion.
The house was filled with guests, all offering their congratulations, admiring the new baby, and presenting lovely gifts. But nobody hugged or praised the child. Such a beautiful newbornhow could anyone resist? But the parents were a superstitious pair. They forbade anyone from complimenting their son or commenting on his looks, declaring it to be bad luck. The guests went along with them, keeping their opinions to themselves. Instead, they peered at the child from above and began saying unpleasant things.
Hes quite an unattractive baby, isnt he? Bless him, really not much to look at. I don’t think I even want to see him, each guest remarked in turn with a dismissive wave. The parents felt a sense of relief and everyone moved into the next room together.
The older boy had been listening to all of this. He watched as everyone seemed unhappy with his younger brother. So he decided: if the baby is so undesirable, whats the point in having him around?
He didnt dwell on it for long. He grabbed the baby and ran out to the balcony. He looked around and then, just as he had tossed his toys from there before, he tossed his brother down to the ground below.
When I heard this, I couldnt catch my breath. It would have ended in tragedy, if not for the grace of God watching over His little ones.
At that moment, He sent an angel to save the child.
It happened that the elderly lady whod had that strange dream lived in the same building, only one floor down.
She had just finished her washing and had hung her bag out on the washing line to dry.
At that very moment, the child came tumbling down from above, as if from the sky, and landed directly into her bag.
By the time the parents noticed how quiet it was next door, it was already too late. They entered the room and saw their older son on the balcony. The baby was gone. In a panic, they began to question him. And he told them, Well, hes ugly and not wanted, so I threw him away.
The mothers heart nearly stopped. The father rushed outside searching for his son. By the grace of God, the boy was unharmed.
What a miracle! the parents sobbed, clutching their child.
And who did they thank? Who do you suppose? The elderly woman, of course. Not a word was said of God. Except by the old woman herself, who knew full well that a blessing such as this never happens by chance. She would never have washed anythingif not for the angel in her dream.
Why does everyone assume theyve just been lucky? Why do they never thank God?
Ive thought on this for a long time. Ive considered many possibilities. But I never really understood it. Perhaps everyone chooses their own explanation. Ill only say this for myself: I dont believe in accidents. All my thanks go always to Godfor no miracle comes about without His hand in it.
