This week, if you do something for someone else for no other reason than to bring joy to that person’s day, blessed are you.

If you find yourself feeling the loss of a friend or loved one and, in your grief, you realize that you experienced the love of God in their love for you, blessed are you.

Today or tomorrow, if you put yourself second for the needs of another, blessed are you.

If you do the “right” thing when the conventional wisdom is to do the “smart” thing, blessed are you.

In the days ahead, if you forgive someone or if someone forgives you, blessed are you.

The next time you manage to stop, unplug and spend even just a moment thinking about all the good in your life and find yourself embraced by a sense of gratitude, blessed are you.

In the days ahead, if you can diffuse someone’s anger, if you can bridge the chasm between you and someone you are at odds with, if you bring a positive perspective to an otherwise negative situation, blessed are you.

If you risk being laughed at or misunderstood or if you endure a “funny look” from someone because you took a stand based on what was morally and ethically right, blessed are you.

You have reason to be glad. In the blessings you give, you have been blessed.

Have a “blessed” week!

-Deacon Jay