Once upon a time, an elderly woman decided she wanted to do a good deed. She gathered all the things she no longer neededitems that cluttered her home and weighed on her mind. Among them were lovely blouses, dresses, hats, and skirtsjust anything taking up space. The woman thought, Ill take all this to the church, in case someones in need. Perhaps the homeless or some refugees might find it useful.
She packed everything into a shopping bag and placed it in the corner, planning to take it out the next day. Satisfied, she went to bed for the night.
That night, she had the most peculiar dream.
She felt as though her soul had floated apart from her body, looking down from above to see what was happening. Everything was bathed in a bright, gentle light, and though she was still in her flat, her spirit brimmed with happiness.
There she stood, in the middle of her front room with the bag in her hands, packed and ready for church. Suddenly, a little girl appeared before her.
Whats in your bag, Madam? the girl inquired.
The woman replied with a warm smile, Just some things I no longer need. Theyre only getting in the way. Im hoping to give them to people who truly need them, so Im bringing them to the church tomorrow.
Youre very kind, the girl replied, but your bag looks a bit grubby. Would you mind giving it a wash before bringing it?
Oh yes, of course, the woman promised.
Just dont forget, said the child with a grin, and then she vanished.
The woman awoke, startled, and sprang from her bed. She tried to recall what shed dreamtan angel, perhaps, or something of the sort? Glancing over at the bag, she began unpacking it. After all, if she needed to give it a wash, she would.
It might all sound silly, and perhaps the old woman was simply being superstitious believing in such dreams. You might think so, but Id have to disagree. I used to believe the sameuntil the following occurred.
In a certain family in her building, a baby boy was born. He wasnt their first child, but the younger sibling. The parents decided to celebrate and invite friends and relatives to share in their joy.
Many guests arrived, congratulating them and giving presents. Yet the family had a curious belief and forbade anyone to speak well of the newborns looksthey feared it would bring misfortune. So, instead of doting on the little boy, the guests did the opposite. They made disparaging comments.
Oh, isnt he an ugly little thing, said one, waving a dismissive hand. Hes not much to look at at all, is he?
Each guest followed suit. The parents, relieved, led everyone into the next room.
Standing nearby was their elder son, who overheard all of it. Watching the adults, he gathered that everyone seemed displeased with his little brother. In his childish logic, he reasoned: if no one likes him, why keep him?
Without much thought, he picked up the baby and hurried out onto the balcony. He glanced about, andjust as hed previously done with his unwanted toyshe tossed his brother over the edge.
My breath caught as I heard this story. It might have ended in tragedy, but blessings do sometimes come in unexpected forms.
It so happened that the old woman, the very one whod had the dream, lived just one floor below.
By that point, shed finished washing the bag. She hung it out of her window, letting it air dry upon the washing line.
And just at that very moment, the baby fell from the balcony abovelanding safely in her laundry bag.
Later, when the parents realised how quiet the next room was, it was already too late. They dashed inthe older boy was peering from the balcony and the baby was nowhere in sight. The truth came out.
Well, he was ugly and nobody needed him. So I threw him away, the older boy explained.
The mothers heart nearly stopped; the father rushed outside to search for the baby. By the greatest fortune, the boy was safe, snuggled inside the bag, no worse for wear.
What a blessing! wept the parents, clutching their son.
And who did they thank? Why, the lady downstairs. No word was mentioned of God, except by the elderly woman herself. She knew such good fortune did not happen by mere chance. She hadnt even planned on doing the washingif not for the angel in her dream.
Why is it that people always credit luck and never think to be grateful for something higher?
Ive often wondered about this. Perhaps everyone has their own explanation. In my view, there is no such thing as coincidence. I give thanks to God alonefor what miracle has ever happened without a touch of the divine hand?
