Reflection
When we pause and offer a blessing in silence, we pay attention to life’s ordinary moments, consecrate them, and imbue them with meaning. When we join and bless a meal, we remind ourselves that it is a gift from the earth and the labor of others. When we bless others in the name of God, we are recognizing that they are blessed by God. Blessing animals recognizes their place in sacred creation; blessing fields recognizes their fruitfulness. These simple rituals help us consecrate our daily routines and bring us in touch with their deeper meaning. Blessings remind us that our lives are full of moments waiting to be lived fully. They make the everyday a sacred experience.
Prayer
Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all God’s benefits:
Psalm 103:2
Action
Create your own rituals of mindful blessing.
Suggested Reading
The Lord bless you
and keep you;
the Lord make his face shine on you
and be gracious to you;
the Lord turn his face toward you
and give you peace.
Numbers 6:24-26
Before I give you a blessing, I ask you for a favor: I want you to bless me.
Pope Francis
A blessing is a circle of light drawn around a person to protect, heal and strengthen.
John O’Donohue
All blessings come to us through our Lord. He will teach us, for in beholding His life we find that He is the best example.
Saint Teresa of Avila
We are living in a world that is absolutely transparent and God is shining through it all the time.
Thomas Merton
To give someone a blessing is the most significant affirmation we can offer.
Henri Nouwen
Reflect upon your present blessings of which every man has many – not on your past misfortunes, of which all men have some.
Charles Dickens
Blessed are they who see beautiful things in humble places where other people see nothing.
Camille Pissarro
The simple things are also the most extraordinary things, and only the wise can see them.
Paulo Coelho
There is just wonder right in front of us, and we don’t spend enough time thinking about it.
Michael Pollan