Be a Blessing... Everyday

Before I lug myself out of bed each morning, I pray for one thing: to be a blessing to someone… to anyone.  It may be a stranger or a friend.  It may be something as simple as taking the time to ask someone how their day is going, or giving someone my full, undivided attention. It may be something minimal in nature, but not always easy. This might be letting someone have the parking spot I really wanted or allowing someone to take my place in line, even though I am in a rush. Some days are easier than others, yet the opportunity to be a blessing is always present.

Perhaps this is how the rest of the world lives every day. For me, I have to make it an intentional priority and that takes discipline. Sometimes I am selfish; selfish of my time and selfish of the things I need to get off my to-do list. It’s not something I like to admit, but my guess is that in the fast-paced world in which we live, we all act a little selfish some of the time.

Many of my personal and professional duties require serving others, however in my opinion, making a commitment to be a blessing outside of these roles is what can make a difference.  It’s no secret that most people feel best when they can do something for others. This can also help ease some of the stress we feel when we are only focused on our own tasks.

I wish I would have started this daily practice years ago and this is why I share it with you.  If you don’t already do this, I suggest you give it a try.  Rather than starting out the day with your un-ending to-do list, begin your day with the goal to be a blessing to someone… anyone.

I would love to hear, and so would other readers, your ideas on how you start your day in the right frame of mind.

Comments

[Cliff Cannon]

Susan, thanks for the encouragement.

[Amanda Wrangham]

You have been a blessing to me! My favorite Susan Quotation - "Just believe You are going to have a soft landing no matter what." - keeps me confident and fearless :) My favorite morning meditations, 1. "This is a good day to live. This is a good day to die." That one helps me stay present and mindful that if this is it, it's going to be okay and if not -- I should give it my all and be joyful and thankful that I get another day. 2. This is the day that the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it 3. You Lord grant perfect peace to those who keep their purpose firm in you 4. Be transformed by the renewing of your mind that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God (Those last 3 are all verses but I would need to look them up to get exact verse and precise wording...)Thanks for your blog!

[Susan Schneider]

Hi Lisa,

Thank you so much for your note and for sharing your grandfather’s wisdom. As someone who has spent time with you, it is clear you emulate him. I am not sure I have ever seen you without a smile on your face. Thanks for being a blessing to others in this way!

[Lisa Milovanovic]

Susan,
This is a lovely way to start the day. I am a believer in self talk and that people are responsible for their attitude in life. My grandfather told me when I was young "I wake up every morning, look in the mirror, and say what a great day this will be. And, it always is."

It certainly makes a difference to start off each day with a smile and a positive attitude. It makes me feel good and often conjures a positive reaction from others. Much like your drive to be a blessing to someone, even the smallest effort, a smile, can make a big difference to someone.