Blessing

We stood with heads bowed, holding hands. A hush fell over the room as a Pastor and very dear friend, raised his hand to proclaim God's blessing over us.

"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." Amen
Numbers 6:24-26

The room remained silent. With tears in my eyes, we hugged our families goodbye before setting off together as husband and wife. A sacred moment wrapped in God's blessing.

Years later, on my son's first day of school, I would begin praying the following blessing over him. He wouldn't go to sleep without his blessing.

"O Lord Jesus, You love the innocence of childhood and lovingly embraced and blessed the little children who were brought to You. Anticipate Christopher's needs with Your tender blessings and grant that no evil will corrupt his mind, but that advancing in age, in wisdom and in grace, Christopher would live so as to please You always. Watch over Your child Lord, and as his days increase bless and guide him wherever he may be keeping him unspotted from the world. Strengthen him when he stands. Comfort him when discouraged or sorrowful. Raise him up if he should fall and in his heart, may Your peace, which passes understanding abide all the days of his life. Lord, be a shield of protection about him. We love you Christopher. May the Lord bless you and keep you. May the Lord make His face to shine upon you and be gracious unto you. May the Lord lift up His countenance on you and give you peace. Amen"

Praying for the Lord's blessing to be upon all who read this today. May He "raise you up on eagle's wings, bear you on the breath of dawn, make you to shine like the sun, and hold you in the palm of His Hand."