Blessings To You!

Epiphany Greetings on a very cold day here in Indianapolis with a temperature of 0 degrees.  Yet, that beautiful star or planet I see so brightly shining every morning in the Southeast reminds me of God’s light and love warming our hearts so we can reach out to others and share that love.

As most know I have the honor and privilege of leading worship every Sunday at First Trinity Lutheran Church in Indianapolis by special dispensation of our Bishop.  It has been almost a year, and every Sunday I’m still struck by the holiness of this time and the humbleness I feel before God and the people put in my care who care for me even more deeply than I could ever imagine. 

One of the deepest, richest, and most moving times for me in leading worship is giving the blessing before people leave for the week.  My emotions surface during that moment, and I become overwhelmed with God’s presence.  Often I use the pre-written blessings for the week but sometimes speak whatever is laid on my heart.  Now I wish I had done this with my children each day before they left for school or each night before they went to bed.  I have a second chance with my grandchildren now.  :-) 

The writer Macrina Wiederkehr writes:  “To bless is to put a bit of yourself into something.  It is to make holy, to change something or someone because of your presence."  And Joyce Rupp goes on to say, "In the Christian scriptures, Jesus does not bestow or offer many blessings. Rather, he becomes a blessing.  His presence, his goodness, engenders life, strength, healing, courage and vitality.”

So whether words are spoken or actions done or your presence of love is simply present, you can be and are a blessing.

God is with us blessing us all the way!
Hope