Beech Tree News Network

Are you blessed? I believe many of us are truly blessed in one way or another. Ironically, sometimes it seems that those who are blessed have obstacles that others – who are not-so-blessed – don’t experience.

My grandmother was blessed even though she lived through the Great Depression. Two of her blessings were her wit and her family. Grandmother was indeed “a force to be reckoned with.” She was one strong-willed lady. My grandmother’s wit was highly developed in problem-solving: she was able to plan how to get from point A to point B. She had a healthy sense of humor, too. But, her life was one of hard work and sacrifice for others. Not only was she a wife and mother, but she worked as an elementary teacher, regularly grading papers into the night. During her life, my grandmother cared for or assisted with the care of her parents, her mother-in-law, a brother, her children, her grandchildren and her great-grandchildren. My grandmother earned the love and respect of her family and many who knew her.

My dad was also blessed. He was one of ten children, and his mother died when he was two. So, Dad’s grandmother and older sisters took care of him. Dad quit school as a teenager because he needed to work. Later, he married my mother (daughter of the lady in the paragraph above). While still working, my dad returned to and graduated from high school – the year before his oldest child started first grade. My dad often worked two jobs and farmed to support my five siblings and me. When he finally retired, he was a union electrician, working a ‘swing shift’ and driving about 65 miles one way to work. So, how was my dad blessed? My dad used his gifts: he could fix just about anything. He studied ‘whatever’ until he understood it. He was also a determined man. When he reached a decision, it took some doing to get him to change his mind. But, that determination allowed him to work longer hours than most others were capable. My dad, with my mom’s help, provided my siblings and me with a good home. My dad was certainly well loved.

Finally, I have a friend who is blessed. This friend grew up with an alcoholic parent. She was the first in her family to graduate from college and has worked continuously throughout her adult life. She has two children, is a divorced empty-nester, and is nearing retirement. This woman has had some big disappointments in her life. So, how is my friend blessed? This lady is helpful: she does not discriminate. Life’s experiences have given her a heart for others; she can sense how to be supportive. My friend also has a good sense of humor, and her witty comments often place her in the center of attention. Her career has allowed her to influence many: she has integrity, common sense, and a good work ethic. Because of her choices, she is most certainly blessed.

Are you blessed? Luke 12:48b says, “From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.” Blessings don’t smooth out life’s road, but maybe they keep us from getting stuck in the potholes.