A series of essays....
 |
| FIVE COLORFUL IRISH FRIENDS |
....as seen through my eyes!
The blessings and good wishes bestowed upon us through the kindness of others should be cherished and returned in favor to all who require them. When we are blessed enough to be able to understand our own bounty and good fortune and capable of sharing it with those experiencing misfortune, we will then have attained the full benefits of having truly lived a blessed life.
By: Jacqueline E. Hughes
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 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 the very 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. Initially, a ‘blessing in disguise’ might be misconstrued as being negative but, in actuality, the outcome shifts from initial fear to something we might become eternally grateful for. The idea of solemn circumstances such as running late for work or losing a current job....might initiate a more interesting or profitable new position in the future.
The soothing words of the talented lyricist, Irving Berlin, would have us all “counting our blessings instead of sheep!” And, we may ask ourselves...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 realize our good fortune is grounds for counting our blessings! When the consequences of our hard work and planning fall short of our expectations, it is important to take note of other incredible things that have happened to us. This idea may just be the most important antidote to sadness the world has ever known!
Early explorers of our vast world, fearful of the unknown, would seek the blessings of their King, Queen, or a high ranking member of the clergy who would invoke a higher power for assistance, support, and inspiration before beginning a 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 them seriously. We humans are often caught-up 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 have 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 made nuclear weapons possible.
We incorporate innumerable blessings into our lives every day, whether we choose to recognize them as such or not. They may be in the form of a short prayer of thanksgiving recited before a meal; enjoying the blessings of peace and prosperity; the devout invocation of blessedness bestowed upon us by a priest during the benediction of a mass; the loving permission to go, proceed, or carry-on in full agreement with the ideas of another person or group of people, as well as being touched by the help or services offered to us by the kindness or good fortunes of others.
As grandparents, we consider our grandchildren to be among our greatest blessings of all! When we are able to travel and explore other lands along with their people and cultures, we are blessed by our newly attained knowledge and may choose to share this knowledge with others upon returning home. Recognizing our own personal talent and being able to utilize it in order to assist, delight, or offer a brighter life to someone else is a blessing we should all strive to achieve. And, having good friends to share everything with is a monumental gift that should never be taken lightly and will be a blessing for life!!
“Good friends are like angels. ~ You don’t have to see them to know they are there.”
At this time of year, may we recall the power and humor of the Irish Blessing and Curse. There are so many to choose from but, here is a sampling:
The blessings and good wishes bestowed upon us through the kindness of others should be cherished and returned in favor to all who require them. When we are blessed enough to be able to understand our own bounty and good fortune and capable of sharing it with those experiencing misfortune, we will then have attained the full benefits of having truly lived a blessed life.
Happy Saint Patrick’s Day! May the bountiful miracles of springtime bless us all with as much warmth and joy required to fill our hearts to the brim after such a long, cold winter. “May the Irish hills caress you. May her lakes and rivers bless you. May the luck of the Irish enfold you. May the blessings of Saint Patrick behold you.” Irish Blessing...
Copyright © 2019 by Jacqueline E. Hughes
All rights reserved
Photo Copyright © 2019 by Jacqueline E. Hughes
All rights reserved
