Miracle Math

I am no mathematician, so I'm no expert on the subject, but the first thing we are taught in elementary math class is this:

1+1=2

I'm going to present to you a different kind of math.

In my life, 1+1=4

Two people come together and create two more, without any discernable diminishing of the original two in the equation.  In fact, one could speculate that the original two in this equation have gained (Aside from the weight gain, of course. This concept refuses to speculate on sneaky post-childbearing weight gain.)from the miracle math that added two more from almost complete nothingness.

Life starts with two cells.  By some strange, unpredictable process two cells which are incapable of creating life on their own, when brought together, start to split and become more, and more and more cells.  And somehow some of those cells know to become skin, and others heart.  Others develop into the brain, the nervous system.  Muscles.  Bone.  And somehow, through Miracle Math, all these cells form together to be an actual person.  After time spent growing and borrowing what is needed from another entity becomes someone entirely separate from all others, unique.

A brain to think.  A personality to be.  A heart, a soul, to love.  All somehow created from two, to become a third entity.  A mathematical impossibility.

And here's another impossibility for you: it happens all the time.  It has happened more times than any person is capable of counting.  The process may be different, but the result is the same; with human beings, with animals, plants.  Bugs, even.

The next time you look at your parents, think about the mathematical impossibility that is you.  Same with your kids.  And then consider thanking whatever Creator you may believe in for everyday miracles.  Just because they happen all the time, doesn't make them any less mysterious, or any less awesome.

And don't take the everyday miracles for granted.

Love,
    -Nan