Typically, anyone who is rich, powerful, and famous, in the eyes of the world, is considered blessed. However, there is a saying, “If the rich are the happiest, how come they are not dancing in the streets?” If the powerful are the most secure, how come they have many bodyguards? If the famous are the most contented, how come many famous people take their own lives?

In the Gospel, Jesus tells us how there are those who are truly blessed. They are:

1. First, the ones who are not exempted from the challenges, difficulties, and storms of life. Many times we pray that the Lord remove these storms and challenges. At times, he does. Often though, he does not. There is a saying, “What cannot break us will only make us stronger”. That is a blessing!
2. Second, we become wiser not when times are good but when times are difficult. When we hit rock bottom, then we realize who our true friends are, we realize the value of family, and we realize what is important and what is fleeting in life. That is a blessing!
3. Third, You can never tell life. Sometimes we are up, and sometimes we are down. There are times of plenty and times of simplicity. There are quiet times and there are storms. It is when times are difficult that God may seem quiet and hidden, but if we endure, we will surely look back and realize that God’s ways, times, and plans are mysterious but he will never abandon us. That is a blessing!

We continue to ponder and reflect on the words of St. Teresa of Avila: Let nothing upset you, let nothing frighten you. All things pass; God does not change. Patience wins all it seeks.

Whoever has God lacks nothing: God alone is enough.