With our oldest daughter, Abby Leigh, recently getting engaged, and our baby girl, Allyson Michelle, celebrating a milestone birthday this week, I am feeling a little old, but mostly I am feeling blessed. All of these special celebrations started me thinking about how grateful I am to call them my daughters.
I’m sure you feel the same way about your children and grandchildren.
Of course, we have always made the most of these types of family occasions with fun decorations, themed parties, epic trips and more.
But now, as the girls are grown and starting their own lives, we’ve been trying to do more than just bring out the “birthday princess crown” and the standard cookie cake. We’ve made the conscious decision to speak blessings over our children.
This isn’t just a good idea, it’s a God idea. I was reminded of this biblical principle as I began reading “The Forgotten Blessing” by Aaron Fruh, which focuses on Jacob’s blessing to his grandsons found in Genesis 48. Basically, Fruh’s book emphasizes the importance of the spoken word, specifically the spoken blessing over our children.
You see, our children are desperate for words of affirmation—especially from those who have authority over their lives—that’s us! So why would we ever withhold those words or miss an opportunity to speak a blessing over them?
Maybe your children are already grown and you say, “Well, Michelle I didn’t do that when they were growing up. I’ve missed my chance.”
No, you haven’t! Trust me, they would love to hear those words of affirmation from you now. Call them or text them. Send a card or a letter. Take them out to lunch for a face-to-face encounter. Speak from the heart and let them know why you think they are amazing. Even if your children aren’t living the life you’d envisioned, I’m sure you can find something positive to say.
So, just do it!
I can’t think of a better time to speak deliberate words of affirmation over our children than on special occasions such as birthdays, so this one is for you, Allyson:
The Top Ten Reasons You’re Amazing
1) You are a risk taker, unafraid of the “what ifs” as you follow God’s plan for your life.
2) You are a gifted fashion designer with a very bright future.
3) You have a tender heart, sensitive to God’s leading.
4) You possess a quiet confidence that inspires others.
5) You are truly beautiful inside and out!
6) You have a servant’s heart, doing wonderful acts of kindness for the people in your life without expecting or wanting recognition.
7) You are funny! Your sense of humor cracks us up on a daily basis.
8) You have a sweet spirit, choosing to see the best in others.
9) You’re a loyal friend.
10) You are a hard worker. Your work ethic amazes me!
By telling our children that they are loved by us and their Heavenly Father, and by expressing how proud we are of them and the work that God is doing in and through them, we give them the best gift we could ever bestow.
That’s a priceless gift on any day, at any age.
Join me in giving that gift today…
