I have had a busy week or so–filled with funerals, retirements, graduations, a reunion of sorts, and a milestone birthday party. I sort of got extroverted out.  On Sunday I crawled into bed and slept for hours.  I am now fighting a cold of sorts so my body needs rest. As I laid in bed, I entertained myself when I was not asleep by thinking about what a blessing my life has been because of the wonderful people I have had in my life over the years.  I had not seen some people for long periods before our paths once again crossed at these events.  This morning as I read from Genesis 12 these words gave me pause: so that you will be a blessing.  Yes, exactly.

I had been replaying events that were decades old.  My gratitude grew in each waking moment. I would roll over and sleep contently before doing it all over again.  I chatted with priests who had been very influential in my spiritual walk.  Conversations with colleagues came back to my mind and I was thankful for always having people I could call friends at work.  People at work could make me laugh, call me to task, encourage me to strive for the greater good, and model ethical behaviour.  Volunteer organizations that I was involved with had people who taught me how to give generously, how to be inclusive, how to be creative, how to step outside of my comfort zone, and how to mentor others. As I sorted this inner slide show in my head, faces of people who I reconnected with suddenly became part of my graced history.  I may have been feeling under the weather but I was on top of the world as I remembered people with great love.

Be a blessing.  We have that choice.  When we are given much, we must reach out and return the great gift.  We are not meant to keep the blessing to ourselves.  God asks us to bless others in return.  In the Spiritual Exercises, this is the Fourth Week Contemplatios where we are asked to show our love in deeds and offer ourselves back to God who has given so freely.  Be a blessing.  Be a light onto someone else’s path. Be merciful. Be grateful for those who have taught you how to be a blessing.  Be.a.blessing.

Peace,

Suzanne

Reflection Questions

Who has been a blessing for you?

Who has been blessed by you?

Prayer

Father, bless me so that I may bless others.  Help me to be a light for someone else, to shine brightly so that all may give you praise. Thank you for all the blessings I have received throughout my life.  You give in abundance.  Now I return it.  Amen.