I like to believe I’m blessed. I’m blessed to have my husband and family. I’m blessed to live in the United States and the state of Texas. I’m blessed to have many great friends. I’m blessed to have my health, although at times, like last year, when I questioned my health after two hip surgeries. But overall, I know I’m blessed.
Being blessed doesn’t mean I have no ailments, troubles, or worries. It means I try to think positively and remember that I have an awesome God, which gives me peace.
There is a difference between being blessed and being bliss. Bliss is defined in the Merriam-Webster Dictionary as “complete happiness” or “paradise, heaven.”
I’m not sure if we know what heaven feels like. At least not yet. But I think I understand what paradise feels like. On my honeymoon, we went to Maui and stayed down the beach from Lahaina. It was beautiful and lush; the ocean waters were bright blue with cresting white waves. I have pictures to show that paradise.
In the summer of 2023, Lahaina burned to the ground. It was the worst natural disaster in the history of Hawaii. What devastation. Recent statistics showed 100 confirmed fatalities and four people still missing. In the ashes, searchers found historic structures dating back to the 1700s. They estimated damages at $33,000 per capita, and officials estimate the recovery will take decades and total over $5.5 billion.
Often, we feel we are in bliss when everything goes our way in our world and our circumstances are favorable. We are unstoppable, and our minds are free from worry. But really, that rarely happens. Bliss is fleeting. It is not the same as being blessed.
As we begin the new year of 2024, let us take a minute and reflect on our blessings and how we might share our good fortunes with others around us. Decide that we will make a concerted effort to place others as number one or a close second. Go out of your way to lift those who are less fortunate. Be a blessing.
In closing my blog post today, I’d like to remind readers to grab a piece of paper and pen or type a short note to thank someone who made you feel special over the holidays.
All my best,
Julie
Throw Kindness Around Like Confetti