Lately, I’ve been carrying these words from 85-year-old Reverend Mary Earle:
“I want to slather the world in blessings.”
Her intention stayed with me, as did her wisdom about sharing the fruits of our lives as we age. I’ve often reflected on what it means to be a blessing, and I’ve been noticing how even the smallest acts of kindness can have a ripple effect.
Artwork by Miranda Jones, Saskatoon
The first thing that came to mind? My sister Ann and sister-in-law Donna (and surely many others) who offer steady encouragement on social media. They celebrate milestones, remember birthdays, and cheer on younger generations—grandkids, great grandkids, nieces, nephews—with words of love and affirmation. Slathering the world with blessings, one message at a time.
And oh, how this kind of slathering is needed now. Just as much as acknowledging grief without rushing to fix it, listening with deep presence, and sharing how to practice self-compassion—being a friend to yourself.
So, I’m keeping the door open, watching for more ways to slather blessings into the world. Maybe you are too.
About Mary C. Earle: The ever-dynamic Reverend Mary C. Earle has been a speaker at several Growing in Wisdom intensives I have participated in. She is an Episcopal priest, author, spiritual director and is known for her writings on Celtic wisdom and the intersection of faith and healing. Her work often focuses on contemplative practices, aging, and finding meaning in life’s later years.
Find out more about Mary here and about the life-changing Growing in Wisdom program here.
I often write about counting blessings, wonder and awe, and wanting to be a blessing, such as sharing about Seven wonders in my world , The Wonder of it all, Conversations that inspire awe and wonder, May I be a blessing. So I am feeling very blessed!
I mentioned above about sharing the practice of self-compassion. I found myself returning to Dr. Kristin Neff’s work on self-compassion recently, when I was finding it hard to be with difficult emotions. Her site, self-compassion org offers an abundance of free resources. Check it out if you are wanting to be kind to yourself in difficult times, like you would be to a friend.
About Miranda Jones. I have enjoyed Miranda’s unique work for decades. Here is one site, Sask Craft Council, that shows her work.
I delight in sharing my thoughts, such as these, in a newsletter, typically every few months. And now and then, ideas show up our Facebook page. Always love to hear from you via email. Would love to hear if you are finding ways to slather blessings!
