And the boy Samuel continued to grow in stature and in favor with the LORD and with men. (1 Samuel 2:26, NIV)
My oldest son is going to middle school. The fanfare and the emotions are more than I expected. The best part was the blessing ceremony at our church this week. I must have scanned the invitation too quickly as I thought someone else would be doing the blessing, but when we arrived and everyone in the room was crying, I figured out quickly that this would be a parental privilege.
And a privilege it was. The younger boys were at their last school skate night with Dad (They pleaded. It's always during the week so they haven't been all year). Baby Girl had a band concert. So I was left alone to bless my oldest son. Only I wasn't alone. God was with me, reminding me that I blessed this boy every day when he got out of the van, walking calmly while his brothers breezed by him, speaking deeper each day as he tells to stop running and look where they're going.
And so I prayed that God would arm him to be a warrior of words, a master of mathematics, a man that will use his mind, body and spirit to change the world for Jesus. My words weren't long or eloquent, but as I prayed and proclaimed blessing over my son, I felt a blessing come upon me too. The blessing of grace and trust that allows us to release our children to God a little more each year in a world that gets crazier by the day.
I was feeling pretty good the next day, but then my oldest daughter came home and announced that she's officially a senior. Oh Mama. There's lots more praying to do...
Father God,
Thank you for never leaving us the same. Each day you bring new blessings and challenges to stretch us into Your shape. Give us the strength and courage to get in the boat when you cut the ties away instead of standing on the shore. May our hearts reach up to you as our families grow up and stretch out.
In Jesus' name, Amen.
Marilynn Griffith is wife
to a deacon, mom to a tribe and proof that God gives second chances.
When not scrambling to park her van straight AND catch a good sale, she
writes novels about faith, friendship and forgiveness. Every now and
again, she shares a song and thoughts about faith and life on her blog,
Rhythms of Grace.
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