What a long and interesting break it has been for us! There have been some highs and lows with our son, how about with yours?
Every year Mark and I try to do a long fast to just prepare ourselves for the year and see what the Lord would want to show us. For me, the first day is mostly about giving thanks, for all the good that came the year before....even if there was a lot of bad.
As we move forward into this year praying for our sons, I also want to give thanks. So, here is my list of thanks for our boys and all they add to our lives:
1. They make us smile. Pretty much every day, I have to laugh at an antic or an attempt at something or a really bad joke.
2. They are protective. All that sword fighting (and whatever else they use as swords) is not for nothing. Jordan has a plan all laid out for fighting off zombies. As mad as I make him, or his sisters, I know he'd be there in a minute if someone messed with us.
3. They have big hearts. Watching Jordan tend to his wounded cat made me smile. Our Dustball got in a fight and keeps scratching what started out as a little wound. Jordan cleans and bandages him faithfully, even when it got a little infected and I had to leave the room. Or the things he'll do to get our little grandbaby to smile....It's a blessing when we get glimpses of the kind and gentle hearts inside our big, tough boys.
4. They are all male. I'll just say the words noise and smells and you know I'm talking about! Or the fact that everything is a competition and they must win. And the way they want to "help out" and fix things. It's a guy thing and I love it!
5. They have cool toys. Okay, Barbies are cute, but let's face it, there's nothing as awesome as a night-time battle with bright green and blue lightsabers whizzing and clashing. And who knew I'd ever be able to pick out trucks and wheels for his 7.5 skateboard? And who didn't get down on the floor and race Matchbox cars?
6. They were created to lead. They might not always want the role, but just see who is following your son around. They were created to lead their families, maybe a business or a church? And again, we can see glimpses of it everyday, leadership arising in them.
7. They are ours. For this moment in time, the Lord has entrusted these special, unique, amazing young men into our care. Having lost one child, I know that each day is a gift. And knowing that there is just a short time left before he ventures out in the world, I am going to savor the season. In good times and bad, peaceful or challenging, he is ours and we are blessed!
Let's continue to give thanks and speak blessings over our sons.
This blessing prayer is from a page called "Blessings for A Thousand Generations" that a friend sent me. http://www.hotpursuitministries.com/blessings.html I suggest printing this and keeping it in your bible.
I, now, bless all your days with righteousness, peace and joy.
I bless you with the revelation knowledge of your Heavenly Father’s love for you.
I bless you with a heart of a good son.
I bless you with prosperity and great success in all you put your hands to do.
I bless you with caring friends and good business sense.
I bless you with integrity and a heart of honor.
I bless you with an obedient, merciful, humble and loving heart.
I bless you with courage, perseverance, and relentless pursuit of His presence.
I bless you with spiritual insight and an understanding of His ways.
I bless you with a nurturing and compassionate heart.
I bless you with a long and healthy life.
I bless you with a tender spirit and an understanding nature.
I bless you with a loving and considerate spouse and healthy, obedient children.
I bless you with wisdom, discernment and patience in training your children.
I bless you with the desire and delight to seek Him first.
May you be quick to forgive and slow to anger.
May you know Father God is with you wherever you go.
May your life be a delight to others as they are drawn to God within you.
The Lord bless you and keep you.
The Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious unto you.
The Lord lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace.
Numbers 6: 24-26
I am now making this a monthly blog, with this being Month 1. Will post around the 15th each month. Would love to see some comments (yes, it takes a minute to sign up on Google :)) and your encouragment to other women. You all have something important to offer!
Blessings, Sharon
