A benediction is literally a “good word,” a spoken gift or blessing. In a world full of quips and snarking, social media one-upsmanship and awkward conversations, there is a place for bringers of benediction, if only in the form of a small compliment or expression of good will.
Who will you offer a benediction today?
Walking through the world giving little blessings and good words is what I do – its the ongoing spiritual practice I try to engage. I think of leaving sparkling energy behind with each step even when there are no one – to – one interactions. The term benediction – for whatever reason I’ve limited my understanding of that term to an ending or a closure of intention to a meeting, a worship, a relationship but I rather like this more expansive way of of engaging benediction. One thing I need to work on is offering this to myself too.
My best friend started a new job, and is still recovering from a mental health crisis he had this fall. I will text (which sometimes he prefers if he’s too tired to converse) or call and ask how he’s holding up, and maybe invite him to supper.
Today while we were putting up a new art exhibit at the fellowship, my friend who was there too to help make decisions was in great pain. She has a recurring physical situation that almost causes her to be unable to walk. She said “I was crabby too”; I responded that I’m that way when I don’t feel well. I’ve also sent an e-mail to her in response to her most recent one, with lots of complaints about maintenance at the building; sometimes all of the problems one can think of bubble up at once. I hope that my reassurance to her that her opinion counts and that we understand her pain will assuage some of her fears and doubts about her value to our group..