Blessed to be a Blessing

You are so blessed. Do you know that?

In case you don’t know quite how blessed you are, let me shoot you some statistics:

• If you woke up this morning, you are more alive than the million people who will not survive this week.
• ​If your basic needs of food, clothing and shelter are met today, you are richer than 45% of the world. 
• If you ever have attended a church service without fear of harassment, arrest, torture or death, you are more safe and religiously free than the over 3 billion people in the world who are not.
• ​If you can read this blog right now, you are ahead of the 2 billion people out there who cannot. 
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YOU ARE BLESSED.

But, sometimes we forget, right? We’re surrounded by all this stuff all the time and we start to take it for granted. Or worse, we start to speak a word of ownership over all of these things that simply isn’t true. Do you know what that word is? 

"MINE."

That’s my kid’s favorite word right now. That’s MY doll. That’s MY shirt. That’s MY yogurt pouch. Mine mine mine mine. When these “mine” fights escalate, here’s what I do. I take the item and hold it in front of them. I ask “did you buy this?” “no” “Did you get this for yourself?” “No” “Do you know who did?” “Who?” “Me… so, if we’re getting technical about it. It’s actually mine. But, I want you to have it. I like seeing you playing with it and enjoying it. But, remember. This is being shared with you. So, can you share it with your sister please?” 

But, we’re not little kids anymore right? Yet, here we are looking at our Father, trying to wrap our arms around all our blessings and shouting “MINE!” Here’s what the Bible has to say about that:

It's all His y'all. All of it. The entire earth. And he’s blessed you with so much because He's a good father and he wants you to enjoy it. Share it. 

Here's how my dad always put it: You're blessed to be a blessing.

​Listen, on your own, you have limited resources. There’s only so many hours you can work. There’s only so much time you can spend studying. There’s actually a limit to how many hours you can even volunteer somewhere or serve at your church. 

Because, you’re human! When you hold up to God all your blessings, you’re like the little boy who gave Jesus his lunch. You say, “God, here’s what you've graciously given to me. I give it back to you. Use it. Multiply it.”

Guess what happens? He takes all your earthly assets and gives you access to heavenly resources that don’t run out. He gives you enough grace to cover all your mistakes. He takes your life with limits and grants you access to His life of abundance. 

If you’ve been tight fisted with your blessings, your time, even your heart, it’s time to let it all go. Surrender and trust God with it.

You're blessed to be a blessing.

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This blog was written by Kaley Rivera Thompson. She is the owner of this blog, an author, worship leader and speaker. She's always down for a cup of coffee or a good hike. You can find out more about her on this website www.kriverathompson.com or on her instagram, @kriverathompson