Monday, February 15

Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me,bless his holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and do not forget all his benefits – who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the Pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, who satisfies you with good as long as you live so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.

Psalm 103:1-5

The Infinity Loop of Blessings

OK. So we didn’t win that billion-dollar Powerball national lottery in January. Our daughter had bought some tickets for all of us. It was fun to speculate on what we’d do with that massive jackpot. Haven’t you found, though that when we think only about all those things we’d like to get, or do, or have, that we can often become oblivious to the realities of the bonuses of everyday life?

The Psalmist makes a list of the many daily blessings that give hope and life each day. This psalm wakes us up to the gifts of forgiveness and the second chances available. Other blessings include God’s healing Presence that can bring that peace that passes all understanding and brings ease to the writer reminds us how we are surrounded by God’s unconditional love that is not dependent on what we say or do. There is a divine compassion and goodness that can continually renew and bring new life.

By God’s grace we are created to recognize the fullness of those blessings in our lives. We don’t need to win any lotteries when we consider the richness of our lot in life right now.

But our thanksgiving doesn’t stop there. We are urged to bless God back so we can engage in an Infinity loop of blessings. And the more that we are open to “Praise God from whom all blessings flow,” so we also become more and more open to the many ways that God’s blessings can flow through us into the lives of others.

The Rev. Jan Richardson, adds this important consideration about blessings:

"A blessing reminds us that God has not designed us to live by our own devices: we are bound together with one another and with all

of creation, and we are called to work for the well-being of those with whom we share this life -- and those who will follow. Offering a blessing is an act of profound hope. In blessing one another, we recognize and ally ourselves with the presence of God who ever works to bring about the healing of the world." (In the Sanctuary of Women)

And doesn’t that expand that Infinity loop of blessings more and more—just as Dr. Richardson has noted? Who needs the lottery when all this richness surrounds us daily?

God of everlasting love, open our eyes to recognize your abundant blessings of life. By your Holy Spirit, enable us to give thanks daily and return blessings back to You and others in the name of Christ. Amen.

Kate Thoresen