Saying the Blessing

As a little child I was taught to pray before each meal. We call it “saying the blessing” at our house. Others, I know, call it “giving thanks” or “saying grace.” Regardless of how you label it, the results are the same: pausing to be aware of the provision–and the Provider–before the partaking begins is an important step. Mealtime isn’t the only time we say the blessing, however. That’s something that ought to happen moment by moment.

I started thinking about this yesterday as I opened up a large box shipped from the Mississippi Gulf coast. My Secret Santa gift had arrived! Inside, a beautiful driftwood angel, a box of homemade cookies (eggnog snicker doodles! De-licious!), along with a beautiful pillow with what’s actually become one of our life-adjectives around here embroidered boldly across the linen expanse.

I set about finding places for my new treasures while munching on a cookie. No problem there…at all. I think it took about 20 seconds. (grin) It wasn’t until I was turning out the lights last night, however, that I really took time to consider how appropriate my gifts were. Given by a friend who, God bless her, has decades of history with me and has actually drawn my name 3 out of the last four years (ha! I told you, bless her!!), the gifts are a pretty accurate reflection of both of us. We have an appreciation for good food, homemade goodies, deep love for our friends and our families, growing and active faith lives, a determination to support the women around us, and an awareness of how very blessed we are.

We say the grace. We give the thanks. We acknowledge the blessing…and do our best to share it with others. In ways both big and small, we are aware of the Presence of God and we do our best to acknowledge the gift of Him without regard to season or circumstance. We share and say the blessing over others because we are blessed.

How are you saying and sharing the Blessing where you are this season?

“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.” Numbers 6:24-26