The Blessing
No matter what our age, the approval of our parents affects how we view ourselves and our ability to pass that approval along to our children, spouses and friends. Many people spend a lifetime looking for this acceptance the Bible calls the Blessing.
"A family blessing begins with meaningful touching. It continues with a spoken message of high value, a message that pictures a special future for the individual being blessed, and one that is based on an active commitment to see the blessing come to pass." Gary Smalley & John Trent (The Blessing. Nelson Publishers, 1986. ISBN 0-8407-3066-7)
The Biblical Book of Ruth
One of the most beautiful biblical words for blessing is Chesed. Chesed means God’s loyal love and kindness towards us. We are to share our chesed with others. This lovely word is found in Ruth 1: 8; 2:20; 3:10. Active blessings are spoken in Ruth 2: 4, 19, 20; 3:10. The simplest is spoken by Boaz when he blesses his workers with "The Lord be with you." Their response "The Lord bless you." Blessing one another is good for our souls. We see Naomi as she blesses Ruth and Boaz. Boaz blesses Ruth and his employees. Ruth blesses Boaz. The entire community blesses Ruth, Naomi and Boaz.
Contemporary blessings which model Chesed
A beautiful book which teaches blessings for solitude, friendship, the seasons of life and as we approach death is Anam Cara: A Book of Celtic Wisdom by John O’Donohue (Harper Collins, 1990. ISBN 0-06-018279-2). The following examples are selected from 6 Celtic blessings:
Friendship blessing: "May you be blessed with good friends. May you learn to be a good friend to yourself…." (p. 36)
Body blessing: "May your body be blessed. May you realize that your body is a faithful and beautiful friend of your soul…may your senses always enable you to celebrate the universe and the mystery and possibilities in your presence here. May the Eros of the Earth bless you. (p. 77)
Solitude blessing: "May you recognize in your life the presence, power and light of your soul. May your realize that your are never alone…may you learn to see yourself with the same delight, pride, and expectations with which God sees you in every moment." (p. 125)
Blessing: "May the light of your soul guide you…may you see in what you do the beauty of your own soul…may evening find you gracious and fulfilled. May you go into the night blessed, sheltered, and protected. May your soul calm, console, and renew you." (p. 160)
Not all families bless their children. Many live without blessing. A tender and healing spiritual experience can be had through writing your own blessing. Care-fully, prayer-fully ask God for a personal blessing. Linger in a quiet place where you will be undisturbed. Reflect on your blessedness as God’s beloved. God knows your name and cares deeply for you. God is aware of our existence even before our conception. God is with us as a loving, caring Presence everyday of our lives, wherever we may be. God loves us deeply and cherishes us as a beloved heavenly Parent who delights in holding us in tender arms.
Consider reflecting on how you may bless others in your life. Thoughtfully and prayer-fully write a blessing affirming their high value in your life and what your blessing is for their future. Consider writing your commitment to them through your blessing. One woman wrote this blessing for her beloved life partner. "Every day I chose you above all others. I commit to you every day."
God bless you. May you be delighted in God through your blessing experience. May your blessing cup overflow with Chesed.
The author of this material is "Surprised by Joy" (surprisedbyjoy@yahoo.com). "Surprised by Joy" is an ordained UFMCC Christian minister who discovered that God is wonder-full to be with. It is our hope and prayer at soulfoodministry.org that all visitors will experience the tenderloving-kindness of God and receive spiritual food for their journey.
May 6, 1999
