Today I met a lady
called Lilian
when I was shopping
in Lidl.

Lilian’s eyesight
is beginning to fail.
She has no feeling
in her feet
and three fingers
on her right hand
no longer work.
She relies on her mobility scooter
to get out and about.

And do you know
what Lilian was doing?
She was counting her blessings!

Blessing Number One:
the joy that Lilian gets
every Christmas and Easter
when she creates
dozens and dozens
of hampers
jam-packed with goodies.
These hampers generate money
for many charities.

Blessing Number Two:
Lilian has managed to save up
enough money
to go on the diocesan pilgrimage
to Lourdes
(for the eleventh time!)
Our Lady will shower her
with blessings
while volunteer doctors, nurses
and young people
will tend to her medical needs
and even provide entertainment
in the evenings.

Blessing Number Three:
The love of her mother
who raised nine children
and who taught, by example,
the importance of sharing
what little you have
with those who have nothing.

Blessing Number Four:
Lilian is grateful
that she has been able to forgive
the group of teenagers
who injured her three fingers.

Blessing Number Five:
Lilian enjoys the company
of her friends
Martina and Clare
who visit her regularly
and who help her out.

And that’s just the beginning
of Lilian’s list of blessings!

This evening
as I settle down to pray
I decide to list
some of my own blessings.

Blessing Number One:
Today I met Lilian,
a lady who is full to brim
and overflowing
with Christian hope
and love.
Truly inspirational!

Thank You, Lord!

© Claire Murray, 20th June 2024