Be Somebody’s Blessing

Blessings by the bushels, Blessings by the pound, Blessings that have no sound, Blessing by the hugs we give, Blessings from the heart, Blessing others is the way to start.  I really do not know why I began my story like this, but it felt good to write it, so I did.

Tonight, I took a nice walk around my town. It was my first walk in over a week due to the extreme heat and humidity. But finally, a break!  The sky was clear; no haze of humid, stagnant air that always makes it more difficult to breathe. Instead, the breeze was blowing through the trees, and the atmosphere was nice and fresh. I heard children laughing as they ran around their yards. Perhaps they were playing tag or hide and seek. Maybe they were celebrating being outside after a long week of hiding from the extreme summer weather.  None the less, they were having a great time. Their innocence and bright sparkly eyes, friendliness, and eagerness to explore and learn have always touched my heart. Children are a special blessing! Be a blessing to a child.

As I continued my walk through our historical circle, an older couple was sitting on one of the benches, talking, laughing, then getting quiet, and talking and laughing some more. They touched my heart as I walked by them. The love they shared was evident as I could almost see their passion radiating up from their hearts stopping for a breath as two sets of lips briefly touch ending with loving eyes gazing into each other.  It brought a smile to my face and goosebumps to my skin. How blessed they were to have each other, for better or worse, in sickness and health, to death would part them. Couples in love are a blessing. Be a blessing to a couple regardless of age.

Two weeks ago, I helped prepare and serve dinner at a homeless shelter. The residents were very grateful for the meal and the kindness shown to them.  This particular shelter is important to me. Going there, whether to help prepare a meal, drop off winter coats, or donate supplies they needed fills my heart with gratitude for the many blessings I have each day.  The residents remind me that anyone of us could find ourselves in the same situation on any given day. I recalled the Proverb; there but for the grace of God go I.

I believe that when we help to carry other’s burdens, we are helping ourselves learn what is truly important in life.  Homeless people have a heart that beats, a heart that loves, and a heart that wants a better life.  Be a blessing to the homeless.

Last week, I had three days of yearly doctor appointments. As I sat there waiting to be called back to meet with the doctor, I looked around the full room and thought about all those men, women, children, and babies dealing with an illness. I thought about the many family members in my family who had suffered from a terminal illness.  I thought about the babies and children in the hospital working hard to be well.  And the many men and women who have Parkinson’s, Dementia, heart, lung, and liver disease. I could go on and on with new syndromes and illnesses being discovered and diagnosed each day.

As I got my thumb up from the doctor, my heart leaped at feeling overjoyed from the excellent report, until I walked back out through the waiting room and saw the faces of those whose health had taken another route. As I went down the elevator, walked through the door and headed to my car, I prayed to God to heal all those who are sick with illnesses starting with the letter “A” to the very last letter, “Z.”  I asked Him to bless all those around the world. To fill them with His mercy, shower them with compassion, and love. Lead each one to the right doctor and to hold them in the palm of His Hand. I included the need to extend His loving plan to their families, caregivers, and friends. They say it takes a village to raise a child, I think it takes a village to help those who are ill.  All those regardless of age, color, religion rich or poor want to be healthy.

If you are healthy, you are blessed. Be a blessing to someone who is under the weather, facing severe illness, or has a terminal disease. Be the sunshine these precious people need. Offer to help by making meals, driving them to appointments, doing errands or just being there when they need you. Make a difference.

As we go through this time span we call life, we need to understand that we are in it together. Sometimes, we all need a heart check and not from our doctor. What is your heart telling you today? Can you imagine the blessing that would happen if each one of us reached out to help others? Start with one person, and I guarantee that you won’t want to stop. I believe the ripple effect would be tremendous! Be somebody’s blessing.  Your heart will thank you.