On Ash Wednesday, Christians around the world began the observance of Lent, a period of 40 weekdays when Christians study, pray, worship and often fast in preparation for Easter, the celebration of the resurrection of Jesus.

I never come to this period without remembering my Lenten miracles of 1994. My husband had driven me to the Chattanooga airport for my flight to Leesburg, Fla., to speak at a women's conference. As I checked in, the Delta agent told us my flight had been canceled -- "mechanical difficulties," he explained.

Actually, I wanted to stomp my foot and vent my wrath on the hapless agent. Instead, I prayed my extremity prayer, "Lord, I can't; you can; please do; thanks."

As we walked away, the agent came on the microphone, indicating the mechanical difficulties had been repaired and boarding would begin immediately. Glancing at Ralph, I saw him point heavenward and fold his hands as if in prayer, reminding me to give thanks. My nod indicated I already had.

But that was just the beginning of my miracles. When I arrived at my announced gate in the Atlanta airport, the agent was announcing the flight to Orlando would be delayed one hour. That still meant I wouldn't be able to make my speaking engagement.

Explaining my predicament to yet another agent, he sent me to Concourse B, Gate 12, where another flight to Orlando would leave shortly. His comment: "It will be a miracle if there's an open seat."

Smiling broadly, I said, "I've already had one miracle today." Then, I became "the little old lady in tennis shoes," running madly from Concourse A to Concourse B.

Miracle of miracles, I did get on that flight. Exhausted, my prayer was: "I knew you could do it, Lord, but you did cut it a little close." In imagination, I heard a heavenly reply: "Just to remind you who's in charge!"

When I arrived at the retreat center, the participants were singing, "What an awesome God we serve." Laughing loudly, I thought, "You can say that again!"

Nell Mohney is a Christian author, motivational speaker and seminar leader. She may be reached at nell wmohney@comcast.net.