A Blessing

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This blessing knew it would find you here.

Here- on your couch. Or here- in the woods. Or here- in an empty sanctuary.

This blessing doesn’t need to wait for priestly vestments. (Although it can be found there too. Don't leave until you have been blessed; don't miss your benediction!)

The blessing knows where to go to find the altars in the world.

The blessing speaks to you through women, men, children, animals, nature.

This blessing catches you off guard; sometimes you are amazed that you are the intended recipient.

This blessing tells you to sit down while she puts on a pot of tea.

This blessing comes to you disguised as a cozy quilt pulled up over your lap.

The blessing comes as you look up to the tree branches, barren of their leaves now. These dark branches that stand out against the setting sun remind you to stand tall and reach high, even as you remain firmly rooted in the soil.

The blessing comes in the gentle, soft notes played on a piano.

The blessing knew it would find you here. Sitting a bit lost and feeling aimless.

But this blessing loves getting lost; this blessing loves keeping company with the lost, the wandering, the confused.

This blessing finds you and guards your heart.

This blessing guards you from your own self-critical thinking.

This blessing opens the windows, to let some fresh air in.

This blessing gathers sticks, to start a fire to keep you nice and warm.

This blessing keeps on finding you, keeps on marching into your life, because the blessing knows that you need it.

The blessing will not stop until it finds you; until you are well; until your strength has returned.

The blessing fortifies you with a poem, or a phrase, or a song you just can’t get out of your head.

This blessing sings above you, below you, around you, through you.

(Inspired by Jan Richardson's poem, "Lost Blessing")


Comments

Liz Adamshick said…
What beautiful soothing words to start a most unique and unusual Thanksgiving day. Thank you for the balm that your writing is. This sometimes-weary traveler is grateful...
November 26, 2020 at 5:57 AM
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