By Mareva Arnaud Tchong, presiding evangelist

Then he led them out as far as Bethany, and, lifting up his hands, he blessed them. While he was blessing them, he withdrew from them and was carried up into heaven. And they worshiped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy; and they were continually in the temple blessing God.

I remember a moment when a blessing looked nothing like what I expected. It was during an online visit with a sister from the church whose health had severely deteriorated. Weakened and burdened, she easily could have given in to discouragement. Yet, every word she spoke overflowed with gratitude, encouragement, and testimony.

I had reached out to her, thinking I would bring her support and comfort, but that day, I was the one who was most blessed. “I am blessed,” she told me again and again. “Every morning I wake up, I give thanks. Every day I have another breath of life; it’s a gift.” I was deeply moved. Uncertain of what the future held, she still saw God’s abundance within and around her. That day, I understood that a blessing is not measured by what we have or keep, but by what we choose to give, even in the midst of trials.

In Luke 24, before ascending to heaven, Jesus blesses his disciples. He could have left in silence, but he chose to pass on to them what he carried within himself: peace, love, and mission. He did not promise them a life without hardship, but rather a constant presence—a living blessing that would go with them.

What if we are called to do the same? To be living blessings, even in uncertainty? To offer peace and hope, instead of waiting for life to be perfect?

Today, I declare that we all carry a blessing within us—not to keep for ourselves, but to share. Through a word, a thought, a gesture, a loving presence, an act of kindness, we can be those outstretched hands that pass on Christ’s love.

Prayer Phrase

“In his hand is the life of every living thing” (Job 12:10).

Trees

Watch the trees outside your window for a few moments. Close your eyes and meditate on Alma’s words about seeds and trees. If you were to plant and grow the Word of God in your heart, what tree might symbolically represent this process? Imagine a seed as it grows into a tree of life and blessing. Ask God to show you how to begin (see Alma 16:152–173).

Today’s Prayer for Peace

Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.