One of my all-time favorite books is "My Grandfather's Blessings" by Rachel Remen, M.D. I wanted to share this (edited) excerpt with you because each time I read it, I'm reminded of how wonderful it is to receive a "verbal blessing.""When Grandpa finished talking to God, he would turn to me and say, "Come, Neshume-le" (beloved little soul). Then I would stand in front of him and he would rest his hands lightly on the top of my head. He would begin by thanking God for me and for making him my grandpa. He would specifically mention my struggles during that week and tell God something about me that was true. Each week I would wait to find out what that was.These few moments were the only time in my week when I felt completely safe and at rest."
"My grandfather died when I was seven years old. I had never lived in a world without him in it before, and it was hard for me. He had looked at me as no one else had. At first I was afraid that without him to see me and tell God who I was, I might disappear. But slowly over time I came to understand that in some mysterious way, I had learned to see myself through his eyes. And that once blessed, we are blessed forever."
"Many years later when, in her extreme old age, my mother surprisingly began to light candles and talk to God herself, I told her about these blessings and what they had meant to me. She had smiled at me sadly. "I have blessed you every day of your life, Rachel," she told me. "I just never had the wisdom to do it out loud.""
I remember how startled I was when I first read that last paragraph about her mother and the thought that perhaps I too had been neglectful in having my kids know that I was praying for them each and every day. From that moment, I decided to make a conscious effort for my kids to know that I was asking God to bless them every day. I began starting my kids off on their day saying "God's blessings to you today," telling them I would pray for them. Now I just say "God's blessings" and if I happen to forget THEY ASK FOR THE BLESSING.
All kinds of blessings are precious, but we tend to be shy about verbalized ones. If we knew the effect they had on others, we might not be so shy.
Today, I am wishing God's blessings for each and every one of you by name.
2 comments:
We never know the effect we are having. My adult children told me that the thing they remembered best was my praying with them every morning before school. I would wait by the front door and before they rushed out would hold the door closed and pray for them. Just a short prayer, for the Lord to be with them, protect them and help them discern the source of the things they heard that day. It was a routine no matter how much of a hurry they were in.
I was sorry to miss your testimony in church, I heard glowing reports.
You said, "Help them discern the source of the things they heard that day." I love that. I will add that to my prayers. Thank you for sharing!
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