And most likely you remember "The Miracle on Ice". It wasn't the Gold Medal game (although they won that one as well) but it was the COLD WAR. USA vs Russia. Russia undefeated, having beat both the Islanders and Rangers during a pre-Olympic tour. Seasoned pros who had played together for years vs. a rag-tag bunch of college stars.
"Do You Believe in Miracles" was the famous Al Michaels quote with less than 10 seconds left in the game. 10 seconds left, up by one goal. Al Michaels certainly took the safe, conservative route. No need to go out on a limb, waiting until he was sure the game was in hand.A simple question, followed by pandemonium. The game, as you may recall, was being played in the United States, in Lake Placid. Turbulent political times, much hatred for the communist way of life.
"Do You Believe in Miracles"?
Do you wait until it is safe to say so? Or do you go out on a limb, risking it all, letting others know how you feel? Are you willing to be wrong, in what you know is right?
In the midst of all the celebration, the noise, the screams, tears of joy, came perhaps the most beautiful moment. Al Michaels went silent. No words were needed, no words would be sufficient. Letting those at home soak up the utter joy, the sheer ecstasy at the arena, feeling the celebration, absorbing the atmosphere without interuption.
Believe in miracles, they are all around. They may not always seem as momentous as The Miracle on Ice, nor as earth shattering as those in the Bible. But they are there, and in their way as momentous and earth shattering as anything you have seen or heard. Some as simple as a flower blooming on just the right day, or that quiet feeling that wraps around you like a hug -- a hug gone for far too long -- on just the day you need such a hug.
And if you dare -- in that moment be still, be quiet. Lest you miss the sheer joy and utter ecstasy of it all.
I DO believe in miracles!!
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