Sometimes people say Christmas is just too commercial. Spoiler alert: This blog is one big commercial. “This commercial is sponsored by the 50 Days to a Blessed Life small group leaders.” Or, specifically this leader. I’ll be leading a women’s group this coming semester on Tuesday nights at church, and I’d love to have you come join me, if you’re not already in a group. Ok, shameless plug over.
Since this blog is for Christmas, I thought about all the expressions we use with the word Bless in them: God Bless You, Bless Your Heart, Count Your Blessings, God Bless America, Bless Your Socks Off, Overflowing Blessings, and a Blessing in Disguise. Christmas seems a particularly appropriate time to appreciate our blessings: families, friends, health, perhaps financial blessings, answered prayers, peace of mind. Some of us have experienced Christmas memories which have been painful, too, because of the experience of loss, or illness, or separation, or not having the means to provide. We always want to be mindful of and sensitive to those who may not be having a merry Christmas.
Did you know, though, that studies show that people who express gratitude for their blessings in life have better emotional and mental health? Even keeping a gratitude journal can improve sleep patterns and reduce anxiety.
I can look back at my life and clearly recall the times others have blessed my life: bags of hand-me-down clothes for my children from Christian moms, when we were trying to survive on one income; a Christian community who helped us move when I was on pregnancy bedrest; Christian strangers who gave us a place to stay when we were stranded on the road one time (yes, scary, but we really trusted in God for that one!); Christian counselors who encouraged us when our marriage became thread-bare.
And, while I hardly feel comfortable writing about times I’ve blessed others, as I prefer behind the scenes efforts, I try to bless my family on a regular basis; I was able to bless a foster family with a new bike for their daughter; I’ve blessed a few students in my career who felt my teaching influenced them in a positive way; I’ve blessed customer service people who provide excellent service by letting their management know; and I try to bless others with an encouraging word when I can. I recently heard about this wonderful idea used with school children, called a greatness circle. In a greatness circle, each participant must say something they like or appreciate about another person. That person must accept that encouragement, then they may choose someone else to share with. Can you imagine how that would bless others, just to hear kind words spoken? I volunteer in the foster care system, and I know some of those children grow up without hearing those words of affirmation.
I’m looking forward to what I can learn and apply to my life in 50 Days to a Blessed Life. May God bless you all in 2017.
Wonderful Ideas Jodi! Thanks.
What time on Tuesday nights?
Oh, how I enjoy reading your posts, Jodi! If I didn’t have a group already, I’d definitely check out yours.
Lisa, the Tuesday night small groups will meet from 6:30 to 8 p.m. in the Vineyard Kids building. All the groups view the video together, then go to their break out rooms for discussion. It starts January 10th. Thanks for asking.
Ana, you give me very big shoes to fill!
Thora, thanks for continued encouragement.
Look at you go, Jodi! Bravo to you agreeing to lead group – as I said previously, you are in my prayers and I know big blessings are coming your way. =)