What is a Blessing?

"Sometimes we think God's blessing involves gaining money, power, and prestige. Blessedness is often associated with a life of comfort and ease. When we describe our blessings, they often include our homes, our jobs, our health and wealth. But Mary's blessedness wasn't material. It wasn't born of security or physical well-being. Mary's blessedness came from being a part of God's plan to be used by God for God's kingdom. Her blessedness was in the fact that she was chosen by God to bear the Messiah." ~ Adam Hamilton (The Journey: Walking the Road to Bethlehem)