How to Bless Someone

A blessing is better than a hope

3 min read

1 hour ago

A young woman with blonde hair in a ponytail , wearing a white t-shirt, with back to photographer, arms outstretched to a pale ocean, white sand and blue sky. — Photo by Guillaume de Germain on Unsplash

I’ve noticed lately how often I use the expression — I hope — especially in casual conversations or text messages.

I hope you’re well!
Hope to see you soon!
Hope your dental visit turns out okay!
Hope you have a safe trip!

I fling hope through the airwaves with careless ease. It has a nice ring to it as I say or type it. It sounds like I care, like I want the best for the other person.

But what does I hope mean?

The origin of the word carries the meaning of trust (that something will happen) or desire (that something will happen).

When I write or say things like, I hope you’re well, I hope to see you soon, I hope the dental visit turns out okay, or I hope your trip is a safe one, there’s an unspoken implication that this may not be the case. In reality they may be sick; I may never see them again; the dentist drill may slip; the plane may develop serious engine problems. So why do I say these things? What is the point? In these circumstances, what does my hope do?

My hope does three meaningless things.

It makes me look good because I obviously want the best for others, even if I don’t do anything…