Coffee With Jesus

Life of the Beloved

Craig F. Harrison41.7K views

Craig Harrison's Coffee with Jesus reflections provide a healthy cup of daily inspiration to start your day. Cover art by

 As I sit and have my cup of coffee with Jesus, I continued to reflect on the wisdom of Henri Nouwen, in his book “LIFE OF THE BELOVED.”  As much as he talks about brokenness, Nouwen also reflects on BLESSINGS.  The blessings that come through brokenness, though it is not always easy to see your blessings when you feel attacked, depressed, and hurt.  But the blessings are everywhere!

The BLESSINGS begin with waking up in the morning and forgetting your feelings …know that this NEW day is a BLESSING!  To thank God that we live in a home, have family that cares about us, food to eat; these are all basic blessings.  But we must go deeper.  The SPIRIT moves us to see that even our trials are blessings, as they draw us closer to Jesus.  God brings Simons, like Simon of Cyrene, to walk with us and to help us carry our crosses.  If we open our eyes, we see that everything is changing, and EVERYTHING is a BLESSING!

Today I’m counting my blessings, praying for those who find it difficult to get out of bed and wonder what their purpose is.  Our purpose today is to LIVE, to know, love, and serve our God.  What a blessing today is!  Have a blessed day!

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4 comments

Roberto December 5, 2021 - 5:54 am
Blessings are abundant when we open up our arms and hands to allow God to fill us.
Dana Lynn Soria December 5, 2021 - 7:53 am
Good Morning and thank for your words
Denise Eyherabide December 5, 2021 - 8:16 am
Great message as usual! Amen and GOD BLESS EVERYONE!
Dr. Marta E. Chipres (formally Escobar) December 5, 2021 - 9:09 am
Buon Giorno Monsignor Craig, I just ordered Henri Nouwen, “LIFE OF THE BELOVED.” You’re correct, once we realize our struggles, our physical and/or mental illnesses, broken relationships, loss of job and many other painful journeys are BLESSINGS. It’s hard to explain, but once you comprehend and believe our Father has something so wonderful awaiting us, HE’s preparing us for true love, joy and happiness. It’s a difficult mindset to change, but once you do, you literally start to realize all the glorious blessings HE gifts us daily. From waking up, to the sweet aroma of a freshly brewed coffee while tasting a steaming hot banana nut muffin. Even though I’ve been at Stanford Hospital, had surgery with my amazing team of doctors. I’m BLESSED I finally found Drs. who are doing everything possible to keep me alive…. So I’ve been told I should have died years ago, it’s not the Earthly Drs. decision, it’s our Father’s timeline. HE decides when my job here is complete. Even though I’ve been diagnosed with rare genetic incurable potentially fatal “gifts from God,” I’m the happiest I’ve ever been. Im BLESSED in realizing our time here is limited and to enjoy every special moment we are given. Don’t waste your time worrying about what others think of you, worry that your making a positive impact on folks now, not when we are dead. Help others, listen to others, lift others, show those you care that you truly love them unconditionally, tell them all the wonderful BLESSINGS they’ve bestowed on you. Don’t wait to tell them at their funeral, be present now! Wonderful message as always Monsignor. Dr. Marta E. Chipres (formally Escobar)
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