Backpack? Check.
Lunch? Check.
Permission slip? Check.
Pencils? Check.
Sounds like they are ready to head off to school. But wait! Don’t let them leave home without a blessing.
To your child, a blessing is a gift. It is a reminder that God loves them.
A blessing is words you speak to your child from your heart, but really they are words from God. God asks you to be his mouthpiece, to give your child words to carry with them.
A blessing is meant to replace secular statements; words that can overwhelm and shut down. Such as:
- You can’t do that. Why try.
- Nobody believes in you.
- You aren’t good enough. You have to be perfect.
Instead give your child these words:
God has given you skills and talents that this world needs.
May you be surrounded in God’s love, peace and protection.
Words can have great power. They can over run a child with disbelief or fill them with confidence.
When we speak a blessing, we empower our children. We reach down into the deep well of living water that Jesus offers and draw up a refreshing drink. (John 4:13-14)
Send off each child with a blessing, reminding them that Jesus goes with them.
Photo credits…
Off to school by woodleywonderworks, licensed on Flickr under CC BY 2.0.
Family Faith Companion 