The Blessing of Awareness

Moonstone Beach-Cambria, CA
photo by Libby Fife

This morning, before I even opened my eyes, I had the most amazing revelation. It was such a clear thought first thing in the morning that I got up to write it down. For some time now, I have struggled with the question of why some people appear to be blessed and others do not. It's always troubled me since I have an innate sense of equality when it comes to the gifts that God bestows upon all of us. Why some people and not others? What could the reason be and can I know why? Can I really ever discern God's intent?

It occurred to me that I have been looking at things in the wrong way. Being blessed isn't necessarily having something or being someplace special. It isn't a material thing. It's something that the majority of us can have, can obtain, regardless of our situations. I came to the conclusion that being blessed is being in a state of awareness. Not just cultivating a sense of appreciation either (though that helps) but physically being aware of what is around you, what is happening, and how those things bring you comfort and joy. It's an inclusive rather than exclusive definition of the word. And I can apply the idea across the board, can apply it to nearly all people regardless of their circumstances. I can imagine someone who maybe has very little believing that they are blessed in some way because frankly, they believe it. I wouldn't question that belief at all. 

The only thing that gives me pause is the idea that maybe I might be trying to justify my own situation. Could I still feel this way if everything was taken from me? I hope so but I am not sure. I know that there have been instances in my own life that have been less than optimal. During some of those times I have felt grateful and during some of the other times I have just felt bad for myself. Time passing though has helped me to see that I came out of the experience and things are fine. 

I include the above photo of the ocean because of how I felt that day when I took the picture. It was amazing to me that the ocean was there. I hadn't seen it in quite awhile. I felt blessed and lucky to be standing there as a witness to such a phenomenon. And it's that awareness that makes me feel blessed. Not the ocean itself per se but the fact that I could see it, take in its beauty, and be cognizant of the fact that it made me happy. What a gift all the way round.

Libby