“Every morning, I ask God to make me a blessing to someone today.” says my friend Dave.
A simple prayer. A curious prayer. A potentially dangerous prayer.
Counting my blessings is a spiritual discipline I have long practiced, because a habit of gratitude makes sense to me on every level. I am more likely to see God’s hand at work in my life when I am actively watching for it. In many ways, we see what we expect to see.
Yet the idea of actively looking for ways to BE a blessing, a practice inspired by my friend Dave, is a relatively new intention for me.
My Bible tells me God wants to give us blessings. In fact, God delights in giving good gifts to His children. When I count my blessings, I am overwhelmed with gratitude by the abundance. Counting my blessings is good for me and brings my heart closer to God.
Yet, I sometimes get frustrated by the use of the word blessing among people of faith, as if God is handing out party favors to His favorites. I get squirmy with the implication we somehow earned a prize by signing up for the right club.
By contrast, I am energized and challenged by the idea that I am blessed to BE a blessing, the Kingdom of God in action. God's pouring in requires, invites, and equips my pouring out. Click To Tweet As we begin to watch for opportunities to be part of God’s blessing brigade, we find the possibilities are endless.
Joining my friends at Five Minute Friday today writing about the word BLESSING. In the comments below, tell us one way you can #BeABlessing in your world today.
For me, its keeping my heart and head open to every opportunity that He places in front of me. Could I stop and talk to the checkout girl at the store who is a little troubled? Could I offer a hand to someone at the gas station? I also think Facebook affords me to offer words of encouragement to my far flung friends who are in need of a word of love or encouragement. My prayer is that I don’t miss these opportunities to be Jesus with skin on. Thank you, Kelly for sharing your words and especially sharing you sweet Mom with me. I am the grateful recipient of her blessings of friendship and support.
Jesus with skin on is one of my favorite expressions. YES! And I love your description of opportunities found in ordinary moments. We don’t need to do great things; we need to do small things with GREAT love. And you are such a blessing to mom. I’m so glad she has you in her life. Hope to see you next time I’m there! Thanks for sharing your thoughts <3
I like your (and your friend Dave’s) perspective on blessings. Blessed to BE a blessing and not just to be spiritual consumers all the time. I will remember this tip!
Thanks,
Bethany (FMF #37)
“Spiritual consumer” is a great term! So many of us have that tendency if we aren’t careful. So glad you stopped by today, Bethany! Blessings, sister!
I love the idea of actively looking to be a blessing. For me I think that is saying words of encouragement. That is something I’ve been trying to do more- when I notice something good in someone to make a point of telling them. It’s so easy to do but can have such a big impact. Visiting from FMF #31.
I’m so glad you stopped by, Lesley. Words of encouragement are such a great intention to make part of your life. It’s amazing how often I have those thoughts or notice something positive and keep it to myself. When I started to think of those as nudges from God to be a blessing, I became much more willing to share what I was thinking. 🙂 Keep shining your light!