Blessings

I was recently with my extended family for my godson's wedding.  In the course of conversation, I remarked on how lucky I've been in my life.  My sister replied, "Not lucky, blessed."

Yes, I have been blessed, but for some reason, that comment stuck with me, and has caused me to think a lot about blessings and being blessed.

For my readers, you know that the fictional town I've created in Louisiana as the setting for my books is Bayou Beni, or Blessed Bayou.

The books titles all contain the word "Blessings".  Currently available are "Count Your Blessings, and "Unexpected Blessings"; and I am working on "Blessings from the Past".  So being blessed and blessings are big, real concepts to me.

As I thought more and more about it, I realized what was bothering me.   I don't think God blesses one person more than another. 

I think we all have different blessings.  I think God's blessings are there for all of us, but I think that not everyone is open to and willing to accept all of God's blessings.

I think sometimes God blesses us with hardship.  And with pain.  And with grief.  I think that loving and trusting God is what allows us to prosper from His Blessings.

All the good things in my life are not because God loves me more than someone else.  They are not because I did something to deserve all the riches in my life.

God's Blessings are there for all of us.  It is up to us to pray, to listen, and to trust God so that His Blessings result in an abundant spiritual life for us.  And that is the other big piece.

Whatever material success or possessions we may have or not have, I believe it is our spiritual life that is important.

And believing that may be the greatest blessing of all.