In last month’s blog, my friend, Kathy B. (blog entry February, ’24) shared with us an excerpt from a reflection from the Creighton University Online Ministries on Blessings (Omaha NE, March 9, 2023).
It struck a chord with me because I often end a note or a letter with “Blessings!”
When I do that, I am offering a brief prayer for the person to whom I am writing, that “good things will come their way.”
I also often reflect on the Blessings in my own life; how blest I am. Being blest does not mean everything will go my way, or I get everything I pray for. It means more than that. For me it means that God is somehow within me, God is journeying with me, and hopefully God is guiding me. Sometimes God guides us to “good trouble” to quote the late Congressman, John Lewis.
Barbara Dilly, the author of the reflection mentioned above says:
“In Blessing us God brings out the best in us, which enables us to be a blessing to others in this life. We are blessed to make good happen where it is needed.”
I love the idea that in blessing us, God brings out the best in us. And when we offer a Blessing to another, we are bringing out the best in that person. We need so much more of that in our world right now. We seem to be in a steep decline of negativity and disrespect towards others. It is up to us to correct that trajectory and spread blessings to others, even those we dislike and disagree with which can be challenging!
I have for many years offered a silent blessing to any pregnant woman that I pass or notice wherever I happen to be; grocery store, car wash, church, Target, walking in the park, etc. My silent blessing being a prayer for a safe delivery and a healthy baby, a reverence for the unborn child.
The Latino community has a practice of signing each of their children with the sign of the cross as they leave the house for school or play, or wherever they are heading. What a lovely custom.
Blessings wrap us round with a sense of being cared for and cherished.
As we are jigging our way into the St. Patrick’s Day weekend, I would like to close with an Irish Blessing for each of you.
May the friendships you make
Be those which endure
And all of your grey clouds
Be small ones for sure.
And trusting in God,
To Whom we all pray
May a song fill your heart
Every step of the way.
Blessings!
Bridget
The Annunciation Blog 
Beautifully said, Bridget. Blessings to you!
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