Uncontrollable Blessings

 

I recently developed a tick, likely a result of my divorce and other turmoil in my life. It was not until a teacher gave me an approving nod on carline the other day at our kids' school that I really gave it much thought though.

I have become a blesser or one who bestows blessings.

As a native of Texas, I think the blessing gene was probably cultivated early, though it manifested only recently. Blessings are rather common in that part of the country...less so up here.

Since I am not from a religious home, I think my family might find my behavior awkward and  I have no doubt that I appear silly and/or naive to many others who happen to catch me in the act. (Luckily I have learned to care less about what people think with age).

So I bless our kids when we part in the morning and I bless our kids when we are reunited in the evening. I bless them when I tuck them in bed each night and even when I get angry and lose my patience. I bless our children constantly and my blessings are not limited to them either. I bless strangers, though not audibly, as I know many people find the practice uncomfortable, except perhaps when it follows a sneeze. Bottom line, when I see someone who appears to be struggling and I think they might benefit from a little help from above, I bless them.

I do have my limit however. I do not bless those who cross our kids or me. I am not capable of that kind of benevolence yet… far from it actually. My ex is the one exception. I bless him because I believe it is in our children’s best interest that he prospers.

Blessing others gets me through the day by giving me a sense that I can somehow help to control the uncontrollable in this world. Ebola, ISIS, the frightening rise in anti-Semitism…danger seems to be lurking around every corner. So I do the only thing I can. I bless our kids, I bless my friends and family, and I bless strangers. 

I do not know if there is any efficacy in my blessings, but I figure there is no harm. Besides, I do not think I could stop now if I wanted to.