Everyday miracles

When my children were young, one of my favorite holiday traditions was to share the story of Christmas and Jesus’ birth before opening gifts. Christmas morning was full of stories of the Magi, youthful excitement, tousled hair, pajamas and the irresistible allure of presents under the tree.

I fondly remember those mornings and, as my children are adults, those experiences have stayed with them more than any gift.

For my family, the Christmas story symbolizes hope, wonder and the arrival of love and light into a weary world. It’s also about everyday miracles.

Everyday miracles are found in the kindness and generosity of strangers, the resilience of the human spirit and in grown children remembering the true meaning of the holiday season over long-forgotten gifts.

At Thrivent, we have witnessed 1.2 million everyday miracles through Thrivent Action Teams. Each of these client-led volunteer teams that organize to do service work in the community is completely unique and born out of our clients’ generosity, kindness and sense of purpose.

This issue of Thrivent Magazine is filled with stories of everyday miracles. We’re recognizing 10 clients as we celebrate the 10-year anniversary of Thrivent Action Teams. They’re doing incredible work and making a meaningful impact in their communities. And we’re celebrating our nearly two-decade partnership with Habitat for Humanity, which empowers clients to help others access safe and affordable housing.

In a world often overshadowed by challenges, these everyday miracles inspire us to serve others, express our faith in unique ways, and share our gifts. As we celebrate this holiday season, let us embrace the Christmas story and the everyday miracles that make life extraordinary.