Blessings To An Unborn Child

We worked on one of my favorite memory verses in all five classes last week. All of my eighty students wrote The Blessing Of Aaron for a grade as a memory verse and repeated it on their test. 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 our 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 the assignment to pen a bedtime blessing to the child they will bring into the world in future years. I'll let some of them speak for me. Tonight's entries are all from 11th grade girls in my fourth period Gospels class and all are used with permission!

My darling, There are simply no words to describe how much you mean to me and how much of a blessing you are to the world. You are a handcrafted masterpiece. It has always been my life's mission to be a mother, so since I've been granted such a wonderful child, I want to make sure I'm the best mother you could have. You were born into this world as a gift from God. Never forget that you were hand picked for this life, and that although some paths may misguide you, God has a set plan for you. Use the talents God gave you, take advantage of the abilities you have, don’t take your time for granted, share love, and remember your worth, because even though you might not always believe it, you were beautifully and wonderfully made, and God has made you in His image. I will always do my best to make sure you understand and recognize that. I love you to the moon and back (times infinity). Always. With all the love I can give, Mom. (Emily)

My dear sweet child: I love you! You are my first born, the one that’s made me a mother. I want you to always remember that I love you. In times when we might not agree, or times when we’re both on the same page. I love you. In times when you disappoint me, and in times when I disappoint you, my love for you is unfazed. I will teach you all that I know, all of my secret weapons. The most important thing I will teach you is the power within you, given to you by God. He has given you a creative power that you accept when you choose to follow Him. I will encourage you to walk a path led by God. Let me tell you, not everyone that crosses your path will stay on the same path as you. You will come across others on different paths than you and you will not always agree with the path that they are on, as well as they will not always agree with the path that you’re on. I will continue to remind you that this is okay. As you go through this journey that is life, you will learn many life lessons that will comfort you in times of chaos. I encourage you to remember that even though things around you may seem chaotic at times, God is forever steady, and He has given you the authority to turn any and everything around. Never forget, you are unconditionally loved! Your Mommy, Ella.  

To my child,

I know how I am. I know that I am probably difficult to have as a mother, and that I could do a lot to improve the way I raise you. But no matter how hard our lives will be, just know that I will always love you. I will always love us. I can't fathom any instance where I won't be backing you up, as I will always be in your corner. I promise to guide you, and follow you on whatever path God has set for you. I promise my devotion to your journey in God, even when it's hard. It will be hard. Life will be hard. It's important to remind yourself of your values, and I have no issues helping you stay on track. When your world gets foggy, I promise to help clear it. I want you to see God the way that I do. I hope that your eyes are born to see the magnificence that is the Lord. As you grow, I hope you rely on God as much as you will on me. Love, Mom (Madison)

Dear my lovely child, Thank you for being born as my child. You are the most precious gift from heaven that God has given me. Since God has given me this sweetheart, I hope you will grow up painlessly. However, life isn't always easy. The time when you find it hard, always know that I'm always there by your side, whether good or bad. I'm ready to hold your hand tightly and go through it with you. But I pray that you will not face all the bad things, even if they may be inevitable. May my dear child grow up with a smile that shines like a rainbow after the rain. I want to see you grow up in a happy route. I will be praying for God's blessing every day for my dear child to be embraced with warm love. Importantly, don't forget to thank God. Thanks to God for sending you to bring happiness to many people. Finally, remember that you will always have a mom, dad, and God will always prays for you to succeed no matter what you do. So don't forget to love yourself and find a little happiness for yourself each day. I love you endlessly. (Vanda who is from Thailand!)  

God bless,
Steve
Luke 18:1