Confused By "Blessings"

While not trying to start 2010 on a pessimistic note, I've been wanting to write about the topic of blessings, and specifically, my confusion over the concept of blessings. Christians love to say things such as, "Have a blessed day," or, "I feel so blessed." We thank God for the "blessings" in our lives. I do this, too, so it isn't lost on me...at least not totally. Still, I am always a little confused when a Christian, or anyone for that matter, talks about how blessed they are or how many blessings they believe are in their life.

To me, saying that you're "blessed" implies that those who don't have the amenities that Americans have—or those in other developed countries—are not "blessed." I guess I'm just irritated by what most people define as blessings. I am still trying to understand the biblical history of the word and what it meant to the people at that time. Moses wrote in chapter 23 of the book of Exodus, "Worship the LORD your God, and his blessing will be on your food and water. I will take away sickness from among you, and none will miscarry or be barren in your land. I will give you a full life span." Other biblical references to blessings indicate that blessings can be spiritual or material. If a blessing is God's special favor or mercy on someone, then how do we explain the conditions that over half the world live in? Are those who sleep on dirt floors and fall asleep hungry cursed? Are their blessings just harder to distinguish than ours? Do we define our own blessings?

I believe I am blessed. I have a wonderful family, have enough money for each day and a comfortable place to rest my head each night. By the world's standards, I'm blessed. I have a relationship with God, a life with purpose and an inner peace. In spiritual terms, I'm blessed. But still the lingering questions remain. Are those without enough food or money or good health not blessed? And if I didn't have enough food or money or good health, would I still have faith, purpose and inner peace?

What all of this confusion leads me to is this: being very careful about saying, "I'm blessed." Though I am continually grateful for what I have and enjoy in my life, I hate describing these joys as "blessings," lest I forget those without. Blessings come in many different forms, for sure, but it still irks me to hear any American say that they're "blessed." We're "blessed" by default of where we were born. That's not exactly a blessing from God. Or is it? I still can't totally believe that. God has always presented himself as a defender of the weak and the poor, so if riches and material goodies are your "blessings," I'd take another look at who Jesus cared for the most. I've got as many creature comforts as the next guy—I just don't want to call them "blessings." Why do some have their "daily bread," while others go to sleep hungry? Could it be a deeper problem—that within the world's resources, there is enough for everyone, but because of greed those resources aren't dispensed with grace and justice? I am a blessed person. But I'll only feel that way so long as I'm sharing those "blessings."