I was thinking today in corresponding with someone that my view of the word "bless" or "blessings" has changed.
When I would hear expressions like "they are blessed" or "you are blessed" I would think that the person did something to merit the blessing. Which would make me feel uncomfortable because if I enjoyed something others didn't - perhaps a better paying job because I became a JW at age 25 - after I got my college education and most of my JW friends did not go to college and so our job prospects were different. Did I merit that blessing?
Now when I say "have a blessed day" or "your comment really blessed me" etc. I see the word more as a recognition of the good things in life and showing appreciation for them. I no longer feel guilty when someone says oh you are so blessed - because it is not my efforts that are blessed but good things through God's grace that have come my way.
Looking for the blessings and being grateful changes something inside me. It's a practice I wake up doing. I need it now more than ever with how rapidly the world feels like it's changing and bracing for challenges to come because of certain stands I'm taking.
And we can be a blessing to others in simple things like a kind word or acknowledgment. Taking the time to pick up the phone and call and comfort or support someone. Writing a quick note. Helping out with a donation etc.
I pray all reading this will truly have a wonderfully blessed day, week, and year.
What are your thoughts about "blessing"?
When I would hear expressions like "they are blessed" or "you are blessed" I would think that the person did something to merit the blessing. Which would make me feel uncomfortable because if I enjoyed something others didn't - perhaps a better paying job because I became a JW at age 25 - after I got my college education and most of my JW friends did not go to college and so our job prospects were different. Did I merit that blessing?
Now when I say "have a blessed day" or "your comment really blessed me" etc. I see the word more as a recognition of the good things in life and showing appreciation for them. I no longer feel guilty when someone says oh you are so blessed - because it is not my efforts that are blessed but good things through God's grace that have come my way.
Looking for the blessings and being grateful changes something inside me. It's a practice I wake up doing. I need it now more than ever with how rapidly the world feels like it's changing and bracing for challenges to come because of certain stands I'm taking.
And we can be a blessing to others in simple things like a kind word or acknowledgment. Taking the time to pick up the phone and call and comfort or support someone. Writing a quick note. Helping out with a donation etc.
I pray all reading this will truly have a wonderfully blessed day, week, and year.
What are your thoughts about "blessing"?
