Some traditions are hard to let go of and that can be a good thing. Sometimes bringing your past into your present can bring you joy. That is what happened Sunday when we had our house blessed.
We moved into our house in February and it has been an amazing journey to get here. I am so grateful and I feel a huge responsibility to be a good steward of our new home.
House Blessings are a Catholic thing as far as I know. John understood my desire to do it and was supportive even though he had no idea what it really entailed. Because I am not a “‘Catholic in good standing” I am no longer part of the church. (THAT is another story for another time. I have no issues with the Catholic Church.) John’s church is a small Brethren Church and has, I believe, 7 pastors, most retired. They are a wonderful group of people who I love very much. I am not a part of that church but John is very active and has been for a long time.
This wonderful group of people agreed to do our house blessing. Four of the Pastors attended and each did a blessing of their own. Nancy said a beautiful prayer for John and I, for health, peace and happiness in our home. Karen brought salt, bread and a broom (to sweep away our troubles!), Berwyn is known for his musical talents and he had a song for all of us to sing. Merle and his wife Jean were missionaries and they did a ceremony from South America called the Huasipichai; which means sweeping out the house; it is to get the bad spirits out, to clean the house for the family to live in peace, health and joy. It was lovely.
Steve, the head Pastor had a Blessing of the House ceremony more like the traditional Catholic ceremony which blessed each room. He had everything written out so that people could take turns reading the blessing and then sprinkle holy water in the room. It was amazing.
This wonderful group of people shared their love and spirit with John and I to truly fill our home with blessings. It didn’t matter what their tradition was, they gave of themselves to bring joy to us.
That is my challenge for you, take a moment and give of yourself, unselfishly. Or, allow yourself to be on the receiving end of unselfish giving. I have to say that I felt so much love from these people it was amazing. I am very grateful and I now have memories that I will cherish forever.
marilyn's mind 