To the editor:
If I could describe myself with just one word, that word would be “blessed” — Absolutely, positively, without a shadow of a doubt. Throughout my life many blessings have come my way.
It started with my childhood. I was blessed to have great parents who taught me the important principle of not quitting. Mom and Dad talked about it a lot, but I learned from their example the most. I never saw either of them quit a job. They never quit taking care of my sister, my brother or me. Most of all, they didn’t quit on each other — neither will I because they taught me to never be a quitter. It’s a blessing I’ve instilled in my children. It’s a blessing that lives within my heart even today. If you are truly blessed with good parents, please don’t ever take them for granted.
As we walk through life, we sometimes tend to be unguarded. We may feel safe, but we often expose ourselves to temptation or spiritual harm when we are taking on the pleasures of the moment. After all, we are fallible and have weaknesses and blind spots. However, we are blessed to have God who offers us protection from ourselves. He invites us to follow Him and He always keeps us close to His heart. Don’t think of running from your life whether physically or emotionally. If you do, run to God and find refuge in Him. When we’re resting in His kind, strong and loving arms, our hearts are safe and we know we are oh so blessed.
It seems the news headlines grow more negative every day. The problems within our society and beyond are so incredibly huge that we can’t even pretend to know how to fix them. Drugs, terrorist attacks, shootings and human trafficking and persecution of believers cause suffering and death. Also, there is domestic violence and those struggling with homelessness, mental health issues and chronic illnesses. Every day around the world people experience a measure of trouble. It’s not a matter of if we’ll encounter differently. It’s a matter of when. If all of these things could be controlled, what a blessing our country could receive. Knowing when to say no and when to ask for help is an important part of life.
Stand up to the troubles of the world and find a way to conquer them. Not only will you feel blessed, but everyone around you will too. I know it’s hard to ignore or rationalize your fears away, but giving in to it isn’t the answer.
Take a deep breath and pray. Ask God to fill your heart with His peace so that you can rest in His presence. Prayer is one of life’s greatest blessings and thank God for it.
If you feel like there is not enough time, ask yourself if you had one extra hour today, what would you spend it on. Then you realize that you can shift priorities and manage time you can. Begin to have more control over how you spend your day.
Instead of spending all of your time listening to news that is so depressing that it makes you forget that there is also a lot of good things going on in the world, start your day by remembering all the blessings that you have received throughout your life.
Focus on what you could do to turn all the negativity out there into positive good things that would help everyone to feel that this life has meant something. Our lives are worth the hard work and effort it takes to get our people and our country back on track.
I can’t say what word describes you best, but I’m sure it means something to you. Whatever your word, let it be one of true meaning and one that has inspired your life.
There are many good words that I could say and have used to describe me, but the one that truly stands out and truly speaks what my life has been and that is blessed. My life hasn’t always been easy, but all the blessings I have received have more than made up for it.
I hope and pray that after you read my letter, you’ll put on your thinking cap and think of a word that has truly described your life as a whole. I’m sure all of them have sentimental meaning and mean everything to you. For me, the best word that describes my life is “blessed.” Many blessings will come to you in your life but the greatest blessing of all is knowing that you have someone who will never leave you or forsake you. Having God in your life and serving Him there is nothing you can’t do, and He will hold your hands all the way.
May your life be filled with hope, faith and love. May your life always be full of light and not darkness. May your life be lived in a way that would inspire others. Not only will you feel blessed, but you will be giving them a blessing.
Pat Holt
South Boston
