Greetings

“May the Lord Bless you and keep you…”  This is the opening line of the benediction that the choir beautifully sings each week at the 11 am service. This benediction (blessing), which we also use during a committal service for a funeral, comes to us from the oldest sourced text we have in the Bible: Numbers 26. Sometimes we talk about feeling blessed with a talent or with family and friends; then there are times in our lives where it’s hard for us to feel God’s blessing. Often those blessing-less times are when we are focused on our earthly treasures. But God’s call to us through the Numbers benediction can help us understand all the blessings we do have, even when we feel empty.  

This became very clear to me when I worked as a chaplain in a hospital. It’s probably very clear to all of you who work in health care; the ability to leave the hospital after an illness; the simple ability to walk and talk; experiencing these things as the blessings that they truly are, helped me to understand the blessings that we have in our life every day.

It’s hard to truly understand all these simple blessings. But sometimes we get simple reminders. A few weeks ago, I stubbed my finger. I began to realize the amazing amount I use and need that finger for everyday work. It took me some time to be able to slow down and reexamine all the things that I take for granted each and every day--and that’s just what one stubbed finger can do!

Take a few minutes to stop and think about the blessings from God in your life. The trick is understanding the true blessing behind them; they are not intended for us. They are to be used to bless others. My prayer for you is that the next time you hear our benediction at church, you may realize the extent of the blessings that it includes--and the ways it asks us to share those blessings with others.

God’s Blessing,


Pastor Tim Wrenn