Why is it
that we bless so few things?
That we reserve blessings
as if
our imaginations were bounded,
even though
God
is unbounded?
We could bless so many things,
if we chose to do so.
Returning home from the hospital.
Returning home from rehab.
Entering a retirement community.
Entering a care facility.
Moving to a new home.
Not moving to a new home and celebrating years lived there.
Before travel.
Upon safe return.
For travelers in our midst who are still on their way.
Reunions with family and friends.
Honest and necessary partings from family and friends.
Starting therapy.
Ending therapy.
Starting meds.
Beginning a new health treatment plan.
Improvement of health markers.
Drinking enough water and getting enough rest.
The holiness of the middle of the night (for those for whom sleep isn't reliable).
The change of the seasons in nature.
The change of the liturgical season.
The change of seasons in a personal life or in the community.
The return of the sun after too much rain.
The return of rain after too much sun.
Farmers and food producers and food distributors.
Times of planting.
Times of harvest.
Those who contribute to the well-being of our community.
Anniversaries of loss.
Anniversaries of change.
Anniversaries of unexpected blessings.
New projects birthed.
New projects completed.
Starting college.
Not starting college.
Learning new things.
First jobs.
New jobs.
Retirements.
Volunteer work.
Leaves of absence.
Sabbaticals.
Paying off student debt.
Paying off credit card debt.
Paying off a mortgage.
Paying off a car loan.
The ability and stability to make consistent payments at all.
Acts of generosity.
New passions.
Courageous words spoken.
Courageous actions taken.
Major achievements.
Everyday achievements.
Fixing a broken computer.
Fixing a broken car.
Fixing a broken garage door.
Planting a garden.
Moving into childhood.
Moving into adolescence.
Moving into early adulthood.
Moving into middle age.
Moving into older age.
New faith.
Longstanding faith.
Seasons of doubt.
Exploration of faith(s).
Coffee.
Chocolate-chip cookies.
Good salads (you know the ones).
Meals with loved ones.
Meals alone.
Pets.
Beds.
Nature.
Everything that gives us gifts of wholeness and rest for our spirits.
Bodies.
All bodies.
All you works of the Lord, bless the Lord.
All you works of the Lord, be blessed.
Write the ritual.
Or simply breathe a prayer of gratitude.
Few words or many.
God bless.
That is all it takes.
And then trust
that God will.
Tags:
poetry