When I hear the word ‘spirit’ I either think of the Holy Spirit or a ghost-like sprit. But according to Wiki, the word ‘spirit’ comes from Latin meaning breath.

Interesting.

As a nurse, I can ‘see’ breath when I watch the rise and fall of someone’s chest. I can ‘feel’ breath if I hold my hand over their nose or mouth. And I can even ‘hear’ breath if I place my ear to their chest as it rises and falls.

Saint Matthew wrote, in Chapter 5, verse 3, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for they shall see God.”

What does it meant to be ‘poor in spirit?’ Instantly, my mind’s eye imagines those poor characters in les Miserables. Talk about your spiritually poor, miserable and unhappy!

Now add the word ‘blessed.’ The meaning changes entirely, as evidenced by the translation of the word ‘Blessed.’ In this context, blessed translates literally to the word ‘happy.’ Why didn’t he just say that?!!!

To be happy while poor in spirit, means not dwelling on bad situations. The ability to be happy in spite of misfortunes. For me, it is that glimmer of hope that just because things aren’t going as peach keen as you would like right now, I can still remain happy to be poor in spirit because I know brighter days are ahead.

You want to fix your trailer park’s spirit? Then stop crying in your own beer. You’re gonna  have to find a way to be happy in spite of your miseries.

A little song plays in my head when I think of ‘be happy.’

I lean towards the simplistic.

Don’t worry, be happy.

It invites us to consider there is a choice.

Be miserable and stew in your own juice, make mine a 40 ounce, or be happy.

Divine.

Yours, blessedly poor in spirit,

Nadine Bodine

Your very BEST friend in the whole wide world