The Blessing Of Our Children

Last week in my classes, we wrote the Blessing of Aaron as a memory verse. Found in Numbers 6:24-26, God commanded the first high priest of Israel to use these words to bless his chosen people:"The Lord bless you and keep you;
the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you;
the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace."
We spoke of the human need for approval and how parents can have such an effect on the self-worth of their children. We talked of bedtime rituals and how moms and dads can make their kids feel important and ease their fears. I told them about how my folks tucked us in when we were small, prayed with us, and kissed us good-night. With that discussion as background, I gave each student a sheet of paper and had them pen a bedtime blessing to the child they will bring into the world in future years. Tonight, and in the coming nights, I'll let some of them speak for me. The boys' blessings are in blue, the girls' in pink.

"My child, how blessed I am to have you. I love you with all that I am and have. Never give up. Stand firm in your beliefs but question everything. Keep an open mind and pursue knowledge and wisdom. ASK THE HARD QUESTIONS.  And if you become great, remember He is greater. God has great plans for you. Never forget He is your creator, and you are worth everything to Him. I am always here for you. Whatever you go through, I have already gone through it. If I haven't, I've known somebody who has. Nothing you will ever do will make me love you less. I believe in you and know you will make me proud, even though I already am. Stay strong, stay faithful, stay safe, and stay open." -Keaton

"Dear sweetheart, I want you to know that I will love you always and forever. Your father and I pray that you will grow up and have strong faith in God. Keep dreaming your big dreams, and strive to do your very best. We hope you accomplish everything you strive to do and don't ever give up. Your happiness is my happiness, and we want only the best for you. I pray that God keeps His arms around you to protect you, and keeps you safe. You are everything to me and you are a true blessing. We want you to know you can come to us for anything, and we will always try to help. Never stop praying to God, for He loves you. Pray that God will wake you tomorrow, so you can continue to be the best you can be. Goodnight sweetie. Sweet dreams; Daddy and I love you." -Megan

"My lovely, sweet angel, I will never stop loving you and continue loving you for eternal life. God also feels the same way, and His love is gentle and kind. Just remember, everyday you wake up is a blessing God is giving you. While God is blessing you everyday, I will never leave your side. Always work hard and never give up, for nothing is impossible with God. You are more than a conqueror. God controls your destiny, so always believe in Him, just like I believe in you. If you wait on the Lord, He shall renew your strength. You will always be in my heart. I love you always. Dad." -Devon

"My dearest love, another day has come and gone and your father and I are here beside you. Never forget God loves you, and is always watching you . Know that mommy and daddy love you with all our heart and soul, and if you fall, we will always be there to pick you up. Eventually a time will come when you are lost in the darkness and feel forgotten and alone, but don't be afraid- God is always here for you. Never forget to thank God for allowing you to wake up every morning. I love you with all my heart. Sleep with the angels tonight, my great blessing. We love you. Mommy and Daddy." -Darian

"My son, you are all that matters to your mother and me. We will always stand by you and God will always be among us. He will be in your dreams. I'm so blessed to have you in my life. I love you so much, I will give my life for you. Mom will sing for you, I will pray for you, and God will bless you. Dream your greatest dreams, and thank God when you wake up each morning. When you do wrong, come to me and God. We will help your problems. We love you; God loves you. Sleep well and goodnight son. Dad." -Zachary

"Dear lovely child, I hope everyday of your life is the best day. You know that your father and I do everything for you, and give the best things to you. Don't be afraid to tell me what you think. Run to me when you feel sad and lost. I will hold you in my arms, hug you tight, stand behind you and support you through it all. Never feel alone my child- Daddy and Mommy are always with you. We love you more than the stars in the sky. Goodnight, my child." -Ivy

God bless,
Steve
Luke 18:1
http://www.hawleybooks.com/
E-mail me at steve@hawleybooks.com