Blessings

A blessing is “a distinctive constellation of words designed to call upon and convey God’s deepest desire for our wholeness and well-being” (Jan Richardson).

Desert Blooms by Lauren Wright Pittman, A Sanctified Art

Some might read Richardson’s words and think that blessings are complex or complicated, far beyond what a mere human could offer. But the reality is, blessings can and should be part of our regular rhythms and practices.

Very often, people get this idea that only some people, such as those with the title of “Pastor,” can pronounce blessings. And it is true, by nature of my job and title, I often have a unique opportunity to pronounce blessings. But it would be a mistake to perpetuate the illusion that only a pastor can speak such words.

Blessings illuminate the link between the sacred and the ordinary. Jan Richardson writes, “Blessings enable us to perceive the ways the sacred inhabits the ordinary, impressing upon us that every moment and each place lies within the circle of God’s care.”

She goes on, “A blessing speaks from God’s mysterious heart into our own heart, meeting us in our ache for connection and presence. A blessing taps into our longing for what lies beyond our experience and understanding, helping us recognize how mystery makes it home within the familiar contours of our life.”

Celtic blessings illustrate this particularly well.

May you have -

Walls for the wind

And a roof for the rain,

And drinks bedside the fire

Laughter to cheer you

And those you love near you,

And all that your heart may desire

Or

May there always be work for your hands to do.

May your purse always hold a coin or two.

May the sun always shine upon your window pane.

May a rainbow be certain to follow each rain.

May the hand of a friend always be near to you and

May God fill your heart with gladness to cheer you.

I have grown to appreciate both the simplicity and beauty of these blessings. In part, they encompass the most basic concerns of daily life: shelter, food, work, community – the very places God meets us.

But even more, far from being an indication of God’s favor, a true blessing often meets us in the place of our greatest need, desperation, pain, or lack.

As Jan Richardson writes, “By design a blessing finds us when it has become difficult to perceive the providence of God – those occasions when the benevolence of God is hard to fathom.”

Perhaps it is fitting then that we end our current sermon series on a word of blessing. Barbara Brown Taylor’s words ring true, “Earth is so thick with divine possibility that it is a wonder we can walk anywhere without cracking our shins on altars.”

Peace and grace,

Kimmy