3.16.21 - Universal Prayer & Reflection - St. Patrick Day (See description for Reflection)

St. Joseph Health, Home Care Services

3-17-2021 Universal Prayers- St. Patrick Day Hello fellow caregivers, Liz Wessel here and today it is my joy to share in a spirit of celebration, St. Patrick’s Day. Whenever St Patrick’s Day rolls around I am mindful of my Irish heritage and my love of blessings. In a spirit of hospitality for which, the Irish are best known we ask that our hearts and minds be open and welcoming. We come in a spirit of prayer to receive and in return bless others generously. Unique to blessings, is the way they help us to connect with the sacredness of our life’s journey. A blessing creates a pause for us to honor and celebrate our being together. John O' Donohue fashioned, “The language of a blessing is a calling forth, a recognition of the miracle of being here, on the shoreline of pure arrival. Blessings are also an acceptance of the transitory nature of all the gifts that have arrived; for they need not come.” As natural as the movement of our breath, a blessing connects us in Spirit. As we breathe in, we can savor, affirm, and acknowledge what has been. Then as lightly as the next breath, what must, can float free on a blessing of kindness and Love. In reverence, we ready ourselves to cross the next threshold, trusting as we move forward. Our connectedness to one another bonds us to our world, amidst the grandeur of our evolving universe, and of all that lies within and without us. At this time, I would like to share this beautiful 2 min musical blessing by Sara Thomsen (2 min) I invite you to settle in , close your eyes and receive her blessing. Deep Peace by Sara Thomsen https://youtu.be/kb-FAOe396U And in closing this blessing by the late John O’ Donuhue May the light of your soul bless the work you do with the secret love and warmth of your heart. May you see in what you do, the beauty of your own soul. May the sacredness of your work bring healing, light, and renewal to those who work with you and to those who see and receive your work. May your work never weary you. May it release within you, wellsprings of refreshment, inspiration, and excitement. May you be present in what you do. May you never become lost in the bland absences. May the day never burden. May dawn, find you awake and alert, approaching your new day with dreams, possibilities, and promises. May evening find you gracious and fulfilled. May you go into the night blessed, sheltered, and protected. May your soul calm, console, and renew you. - John O'Donohue, Anam Cara Offered by Liz Wessel Artwork by ~liz