This Week's Quotation:
Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.
Exodus 20:12
Gathering Blessings
Rev. Berry Behr, Global Interfaith Ambassador
Reverend Gopie heads the Western Cape Chaplaincy in Cape Town, South Africa, and has a special ministry with children in some of the poverty-stricken areas. Many of these children have absentee parents and role models are scarce. Gangsterism, crime, and drugs make theirs a violent world. But one day, the Reverend visited a church that had attracted many children: the pastor had devised sporting and other programs that appealed to the mostly pre-teen population.
Rev. Gopie asked to address the children. She chose the text from Exodus 20:12, which calls us to honor our parents. She asked the children:” Is it true that when your auntie or your neighbour asks you to run an errand for them, you won’t do it unless you get money?” The children were quick to agree. It was true, and it was only fair. Reverend Gopie responded by asking: “What if you knew that when you demand money, you are losing your blessings?”
She went on to explain that in the past, children never expected money but gladly assisted their elders whenever possible because they were gathering blessings. The elders would thank the child for their kindness, saying: “Bless you, my child.” Or “Your blessings are waiting for you in heaven,” or words to that effect. The Reverend pointed to three senior citizens in the room and asked them if they had demanded money for errands as children. They shook their heads. Never! But they had received countless blessings. And they had felt the benefit of these blessings in their long lives!
“So start gathering blessings. The blessings will build up the goodwill in your life and will last you a long time so that you will live for many years with a peaceful heart. When you demand payment for kindnesses that are meant to be a natural part of community, you deny yourself the blessings and block the person who has blessings to give. When that happens, it is like the opposite of a blessing. The energy of anxiety, stress, and suspicion fills us and leads to greed, anger, disrespect, and lack of compassion. You could say we attract curses instead of blessings. It’s your choice.”
Imagine gathering blessings by showing kindness. Imagine a world of blessings. Imagine these blessings as credits towards a long, happy, peaceful life. It is the promise and the legacy of the fifth commandment. Choose kindness always. Gather your blessings, and bless others freely.
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About Open Windows
We, the authors of this blog, dedicate it to the transparent exploration of the world’s sacred scripture and enlightened spiritual thought. We believe that the original inspiration of all faiths comes from a common source, named and revered in a myriad of ways. With that understanding, the innumerable symbols, beliefs, and practices of faith cease to divide. They become open windows to a common reality that inspires and unifies us. We find deeper insight and nourishment in our own faith and from the expression of faith from others.
We hope these weekly quotations and meditations speak to your heart and soul.
That’s a great story, Rev. Behr. And I hear you that it is not just about the children but it applies to me and all of us. Let us gather and bestow blessings concurrently. Bless. Bless! BLESS! Love always and many thanks. Tom C.
Yes, Reverend Berry, the flow of blessings should be unrestricted, without any expectation of a return. As our EDL founder said, “Let Love radiate without concern for results.”