Sometimes words fail us. Sometimes we can be overcome by the stuff in our lives. The uncertainty and transitions in our lives can be many. That’s pretty much the way it’s been for all of us these days. And to be honest we are just tired. Or perhaps I should say I’m tired. Maybe that’s why I’m retired. One of the things that has been hard for me in this time of transition is to still be creative. Sometimes, as I said above words fail us. Today may just be one of them, yet I still need to provide you with some words, whether they are mine or not, so I went through a file I have of some things I liked and were meaningful to me and today as I flipped through my iPad I came across a blessing.
Blessings are words spoken to us at times when we need reassurance, when we need guidance, when we need a new direction or a place to just be in the moment. Blessings can move us and stir us to action, to help us move out into the word and to believe we can make a difference. So today when words are failing me somewhat I include the following blessing. I found it on Facebook some years back and now share it with you.
May God (higher power, YHVH, Abba, Allah, Creator, or whatever term you use)
bless you with a restless discomfort
about easy answers, half-truths and superficial relationships,
so that you may seek truth boldly and love deep within your heart.
May God bless you with holy anger at injustice, oppression,
and exploitation of people, so that you may tirelessly work for
justice, freedom, and peace among all people.
May God bless you with the gift of tears to shed with those who suffer
from pain, rejection, starvation, or the loss of all that they cherish, so that you may
reach out your hand to comfort them and transform their pain into joy.
May God bless you with enough foolishness to believe that
you really CAN make a difference in this world, so that you are able,
with God’s grace, to do what others claim cannot be done.
And the blessing of our Creator be with you
and remain with you, this day and forevermore.
AMEN.
John Hergert
Retired ELCA pastor
This Post Has 3 Comments
Lovely!
I appreciate your perseverance in giving us a message even you weren’t feeling it. Your blessing was perfect, thank you.
Thank you – Like you, I’m saving this prayer to reread & share.