Theme: “Blessings” By: Laura Story
Quote: “To Accomplish Great Things, We Must Not Only Act, But Also Dream; Not Only Plan, But Also Believe.” - Anatole France
There are many facts about the amazing man called Saint Patrick. There are also a large number of legends. (https://www.britannica.com/biography/Saint-Patrick)
The Shamrock (AKA 3 leaf clover) was a significant part in one of Saint Patrick’s teachings. A symbol of The Trinity. 3 separate leaves, yet one clover. (https://time.com/5550579/shamrock-history/)
Some might say the Patrick was very lucky, to have a holiday named after him. To be held in such regard, and to have survived as long as he had. However, was it really luck?
To suffer kidnaping, slavery, sickness, near starvation, and countless other struggles and pain. Some people think that living a ‘blessed’ life is one without suffering. However, that’s far from the truth.
Jesus would be considered one of the most blessed people on Earth, but what did he endure? Judgment, betrayal, the loss of His earthly father, the separation of His Heavenly Father…
Lucky is what everyone wants to be, but not really. See ‘Luck’ if you believe in it, is rare. It can only happen with special people, or on an amazing once in a lifetime occasion. Others have to do some crazy ritual to keep the sought luck. Like, wear old socks, throw salt over your shoulder or countless other superstitions.
Being blessed however isn’t about having a one in a million shot at something good happening. Being blessed is, that despite the bad things in this world, the struggles, attacks, betrayals, pain, loneliness… You will make it, survive and grow stronger through it. Favor will happen that keeps you going.
The dictionary says:
Blessed
[blest, ˈblesid]
ADJECTIVE
made holy; consecrated.
synonyms:
holy · hallowed · blest · consecrated · sanctified · dedicated · venerated
Set apart. In a way it’s the opposite of luck. Looking for luck is seeking that one in a million or even billion. While being Blessed is becoming that one in a billion!
We can only be blessed by God, and He is not stingy in His blessing. We need only ask honestly for it. There is a caveat though. It needs to be selfless.
See luck is selfish, Blessings are generous. It’s about giving not getting.
That is why Saint Patrick wasn’t lucky, he was blessed. He didn’t focus only on what good things happened to him, getting ‘lucky’, but instead on how he could ‘bless’ others.
So, I leave it to you, would you rather be lucky, and witness a one time or maybe every once in a while, good thing? Or would you rather be blessed and see things turn out for good despite how bad and wonderful they may appear? To have them turn in an unexpected way that ends up helping others.
I know which one I want. What about you?