After all this time, I can assure you it makes
a difference.
Sure, I get frustrated and angry just like
everyone else. But by forcing myself to “count my blessings,” as
the song says, I am able to find the balance in life. No matter how bleak
things look, there is ALWAYS something to be thankful for.
I believe we humans are stewards of all the earth. What is a
steward? According to the dictionary: someone who manages or looks after (another's
property). Whose property is the universe? Bottom line, I believe
EVERYTHING belongs to God. We are only temporary caretakers.
How does this play out in real life?
In 1984, we purchased a condo in San Juan Capistrano. We used it on the
weekends, but for the first year, it sat empty during the week. (After her high
school graduation, Kim lived there and attended Saddleback College. We still
came down for the weekend.)
One of the first things we did after we moved in was to
invite our friends in the area for brunch and a “house blessing.” How did it
work? The pastor went from room to room and asked God’s blessing on all those
who visited there, slept in the beds, ate at the table, cooked in the kitchen,
etc.
It truly became a place of peace and rest for many―including us.
- · My mother and her sister and a couple of her friends spent days there enjoying each other’s company and exploring the area.
- · A young couple (friends of Kim’s) became pregnant and married suddenly. They had no money for a honeymoon, so we handed them the keys. They spend several days enjoying a real honeymoon they never expected.
- · Several friends needed a place to get away, and the condo became their retreat.
- · The choir director needed a place to shower and change his clothes after he ran. He lived too far away to go home. We gave him a key.
- · Our neighbors in Arcadia had their parents here for a visit. They had never seen the ocean, so, of course, it was on their agenda. We invited them to take the family to the condo. They were able to go to the beach every day. One evening the grandparents babysat, and the parents went to Swallows Inn for dancing. They had a ball!
In 1987 we bought our current house in Dana Point. Of
course, we had a house blessing here as well. Our friend, Tony, grew up in
Japan. Buddhists believe salt repels evil spirits. The same in the Shinto
religion. During their housewarming ritual, salt is usually sprinkled in front
of the house to keep evil spirits away. So, Tony spread salt on the threshold
and repeated some words of blessing in Japanese.
Then we entered, and the pastor repeated his blessing of
every room. Afterward, we enjoyed brunch.
In 2007, we tore out our whole yard and redid it—including
adding a waterfall.
Once again, we held a blessing ceremony. The yard is now
overgrown, but the sound of the waterfall is still soothing and joyful.
I have always loved the idea of a mezuzah, the Jewish holder
for a blessing placed on the doorpost. It serves as a reminder of the blessing
of home. I found one with and angel. (My house is filled with them. I have
collected them since I was a child.) When we replaced the front doors, I forgot
to remove it. But a few years ago, I found another. It is back in its place
next to the door.
Once again, as we approach
Thanksgiving, I am convinced we should give thanks every day. We have much to
be thankful for.
Wishing you and yours a blessed
Thanksgiving Day.
