BLESSINGS

A series of essays.....

MY GREATEST BLESSINGS

.....as seen through my eyes!





By: Jacqueline E. Hughes


Blessings...

...come in an arrangement of different sizes, forms, and with a variety of both beneficial, as well as indistinguishable and seemingly negative connotations. A blessing can be given, cloaked within a brilliant disguise, counted innumerable times, and mixed or blended until it breeds something that may have bad effects, in addition to advantages for its intended recipient.

Blessings are small, individual acts of love given to and received gratefully by those who believe that these favors are gifts bestowed by God bringing happiness, approval, or good wishes upon them. Even 'small blessings' themselves are seen as benefits and advantages within this topsy-turvy world we live in and we become most thankful for them as we sift through the alternate possibilities. Having very little money can be seen as a blessing if it, at least, provides enough food on the table for survival.

Blessings often come in disguise as if they were guests at a masked ball, identities denied, yet distinguishable by their ultimate good effects. A 'blessing in disguise' might, initially, appear to be unlucky or bad. But, in actuality, the outcome has been shifted from the initial fear to something we might become eternally grateful for. A set of solemn circumstances, such as running late for work and losing a current job, could initiate a more interesting or profitable new job in the future.

The soothing words of the talented lyricist, Irving Berlin, would have us all "counting our blessings instead of sheep!" And, why not when all is right with the world while falling asleep counting our blessings instead of our worries? Beating the odds by surviving what could have been a tragedy and having us then realize our good luck is certainly grounds for counting one's blessings! When the consequences of hard work and planning fall short of our expectations, it's important to take note of other incredible things that have happened to us. This may just be the most important antidote to sadness the world has ever know!

Early explorers of our vast world, fearful of the unknown, would seek the blessings of the King, Queen, or highest ranked clergy by having them invoke a higher power for assistance, support, and inspiration before beginning their long journey by land or sea.

Beauty can be a mixed blessing. The attention received by a person of renowned physical beauty may only be a superficial blessing if others are less likely to take him or her seriously. We humans are often caught somewhere between that which is favorable and sailing adrift upon a sea dotted by active mines, disadvantageous features that we must learn to navigate around in order to survive. Many scientists proclaimed that discovering the power of the atom was a mixed blessing. Even as it opened our world to the positive aspects of nuclear power, it also made nuclear weapons possible.

We incorporate innumerable blessings every day of our lives, whether we choose to recognize them as such or not. It may be in the form of a short prayer of thanksgiving said before a meal; enjoying the blessings of peace or prosperity; the devout invocation of blessedness bestowed upon us by a priest during the benediction of a mass; loving permission to go, proceed, or carry on in full agreement with the ideas of another, or being touched by the help or services offered to us out of the kindness and good fortune of others.

As grandparents, we consider our grandchildren to be among our greatest blessings. When we are able to travel and explore other cultures and languages, we become blessed by our newly attained knowledge and may choose to share it with others upon returning home. Recognizing are own personal talent and being able to utilize it in order to assist, please, or offer a brighter life to someone else is a blessing we should all strive for. Good friends....a gift never to be taken lightly and a blessing for life.

The blessings and good wishes bestowed upon us through the kindness of others should be cherished and returned in favor by us to others who require them. When we are blessed enough to be able to understand our own bounty and good fortune and share it with those experiencing misfortune, we will have attained the full benefits of a truly blessed life.

Copyright © 2016 by Jacqueline E. Hughes
All rights reserved