This last week I have been doing some heavy duty pondering about blessings.
Blessings, not in the sense of bounty or abundance, but the power and physical act that a spoken word, a intentional blessing has on another person – friend, child, spouse, and even ones enemies.
In the past, I have studied the power of traditions within the Jewish home, and some of the customs that were exemplified through the generations. One that still continues to this day is the blessing of the children by the Father every Friday evening.
This last week, my nephew’s future mother-in-law, mother of seven, and close family friend of my brother, went home to be with our precious Lord. It was completely unexpected. In fact, less than two days before the Lord called her home, she wrote this email to friends and family.
As I thought about what to share this month, my heart pulled to give you a glimpse into how profound the impact her last words of affirmation will have on future generations. She had no possible idea these would be some of her last declarations, an unanticipated legacy she left by taking the time to tangibly bless others in something as simple as words sent over the internet.
In this new age of technology, her email serves as a final blessing to family and friends, and in the process, she has declared a generational heritage piece that will be passed on from generation to generation.
Our time here is just a breath, and so I ponder the generational blessing that I am casting to those around me.
Am I being intentional with those choices? Am I blessing my children? Am I blessing my husband?
Do they hear words of affirmation that sear to the core, and touch them in life giving ways? Do I follow the lead of Jewish tradition, and tangibly lay my hands on my children at night, pouring His Word into their foundation? That is a tradition they will never forget.
As you read my friend’s email, you know the dreaded outcome; a mother taken instantly from her children. These are her last words.
Words that uplift, encourage, bless and bring glory to her heavenly Father. It’s almost as if she knew harder times were coming, and the Lord gave her a Word. Right now, she is dancing on streets of gold – no dread there.
These are her words – life giving words: savored, seared, shared and now memorized for years to come.
“Well, it is with a grateful heart that I get to write my own update today. . . . grateful that I am able to sit up and think (fairly clearly), grateful for my daughter’s generous lending of her computer (it also allows me to lie in bed and smile as images of my grand-babes scroll past on her screen-saver), and grateful for what seems to be a turning-of-the-corner in my medical progress.
As of tomorrow, I will have been totally ‘knee-less’ for a week. The last 6 days, since my surgery, have been a little rough, trying to get my pain managed sufficiently, battling a fever that allusively comes and goes, and being forced (I mean encouraged) to do physical therapy twice a day while staying cheerful & positive! If the fever doesn’t return, I will move out of here tomorrow.
My husband has been absolutely amazing; I have my very own male version of Clara Barton, Florence Nightingale, and Dr Quinn, Medicine Woman, all rolled into one. He has served, protected, shown compassion, and done all the downright “yucky” stuff that falls into the “WORSE” category in our marriage vows. I thank God for him continually.
Speaking of THANKS, what a blessed individual I am to be allowed to experience the love and concern of so many people. God has truly surrounded us with amazing friends and family. Thank you to all who have ministered to my family, while I have been in the hospital now for over a month, in ways I will never even know about. Thank you to those who have visited with me and encouraged & prayed with me. And heartfelt thanks to each of you that have interceded on our behalf. God has shown His faithfulness and we thank Him for His care. You may never receive a “proper” Thank You from me, but please know how much your kindness & concern have meant, even when I could not adequately express my gratitude.
My daughter introduced me to a song that may become my theme song for 2011. The composer, Laura Story, underwent some real trauma as a newlywed., and this song came out of walking through a very deep valley with her husband and the Lord.
I’m sure my current “light affliction” doesn’t amount to anything like she and her husband have had to walk through, and yet our faithful Father has been teaching me many of the same lessons that she so eloquently expresses in her song, “Blessings.” I put its link at the bottom of this email with hopes that it might encourage you as you wait on Him to fulfill the areas of greatest need in your life at present.
We love you and thank God for you . . . “
Life is hard, and it often doesn’t make sense. That is the reality, and yet He gives us glimpses of His Sovereignty through unexpected ways…for our friend, it was through Laura Story’s song. For our family, it was through this tangible blessing of an email.
I will never hear throw the word “blessing” around without hearing these life giving words searing my soul. May they minister to you in powerful ways.
We pray for blessings
We pray for peace
Comfort for family, protection while we sleep
We pray for healing, for prosperity
We pray for Your mighty hand to ease our suffering
All the while, You hear each spoken need
Yet love us way too much to give us lesser things
Cause what if Your blessings come through raindrops
What if Your healing comes through tears
What if a thousand sleepless nights
Are what it takes to know You’re near
What if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise
Written while seeking blessings in the midst of Balancing Beauty and Bedlam, Jen Schmidt
Leave a Comment
Amy Hunt says
I am astounded at how our Father uses us for such purpose, and how there is purpose out of every bit of our story.
(and for a bit of a play on words, though God designed it this way – even *Laura Story’s* name and that song reflect this truth and remind us…)
That song has touched me in so many ways, especially as I learn to appreciate the *Now* in my life – savoring it and learning not to rush ahead to *Then*, even if I’ve been given a vision for later on. *This* is important. And we are given an invitation to pay attention.
Rich blessings as you savor His purposes for all of this, Jennifer…
Jen (Balancing Beauty and Bedlam) says
He does use every bit of our story, doesn’t He? With this family friend, I know they are wrestling with what that last chapter will be, but their eyes are still on Him day in and day out.
Lisa H says
Thank you for this! I love this song, the words touch a special place in my heart. It has taken me a long time to understand that the trials of life can bring blessings. Its so hard to see in the midst of the storm isn’t it? But as the waters clear and settle, I look back on the journey I have been on and see just what I have been blessed with! I couldn’t imagine that my story would be able to encourage others to trust God but I’m seeing it happen and that is well worth having gone through different things. Thank you for sharing this story!
Jennifer Schmidt says
In the midst of the storm, it’s so hard to see past those clouds, isn’t it, but now that I’ve been through enough of them, I am SO reminded that He covers me every time.
Stacey says
I love this song. It goes straight to my heart and the journey we have been on with my dad’s cancer. It is so true, that often our trials are blessings in disguise. He really uses all that we give to Him for His glory and our benefit.
Jennifer Schmidt says
Her story has touched so many…I’m praying for your family, Stacey, as you travel this road. I can’t even imagine.
Lynda says
AMAZING! Thanks for sharing that! I received this at the very second a heavy rain started this morning!
bev smith says
Thank you for sharing these beautiful words. It is not until we walk this part of our journey, and we all must do so, do we truely understand x
Beth Williams says
I am amazed at how God uses various situations to grow & strengthen us. Sometimes we get “blessings” out of hurt and anguish!
We should treasure each and every day with the ones we love as no one knows the nubmer of days alloted to us!
I Live in an Antbed says
Oh my! How very, very precious! What an incredible testimony to His Faithfulness and to her Love. Thank you! The Lord has me focused on learned the power of spoken blessings this year, too. It is so powerful. This has renewed my intent to be one who speaks blessings.
Jennifer Schmidt says
I want my children to remember back and distinctively remember those tangible blessings. Not just evening prayers etc, but that visual of my touching their head and speaking words of blessing into their lives. It’s so powerful!
Holley Gerth says
Ah, Jen, tears here! Thank you for sharing the words of this precious woman with us. YOU are a blessing who blesses us so much too!!
Deb Martell says
I have this song button on my blog….it expresses so much so well and so did you. Thank you for sharing that email…a true testimony to listening to the Holy Spirit’s prompting in sharing what He puts on ours hearts with those that need to hear it.
Mela Kamin says
One of my daughter’s & my favorite songs! This is beautiful, Jen – what a wonderful gift for family & friends to have this email. Let it remind us to say what’s important, tell others what we believe, visit our family and make the most of the moments we’re given. Blessings to you!
won says
This is so true.
Even though I knew my daughter was dying, I think about the last thing we said to each other. And like I tell my son now…one day, it will be our last together.
It is always something to be cognizant of.
Living the Balanced Life says
I have absolutely loved that song ever since I heard it. It speaks to me everytime. I have definintely had some of my own trials, and I love these lines:
What if a thousand sleepless nights
Are what it takes to know You’re near
What if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise
It helps me to know that there are a reason for these trials. I may not know it or understand it, but there is a reason!
Thank you for sharing the email as well. What a gift for her family to have this rememberance of her!
Bernice
Trying so hard to be myself
Jennifer says
What a beautiful example! I love Laura Story’s song Blessings. It’s one of my very favorite. Thanks for sharing the wonderful example of a Godly woman.
DARA says
What a powerful message you have written! Thank You
DEAUN says
Your colomns are always good, and anointed of God. Thank you for your ministry. Bless you!!!!
cecilia w styles says
OH how wonderful the whole story it just touches your flesh ,God knows exactly when ,who and what to send your way to let you know he is here with us ,this is VERY POWERFUL just what I needed for the trail I’ve been going through ,GOD put you in front of me and put someone else in front of you so we could all be ministried too ,thank you .MY flesh is sorry for this families loss but she is dancing in his glory now ,I am blessed for coming across your site GOD lead me I am sure And May you HAVE MANY BLESSING POUR DOWN UPON YOU thanks
liz says
Once again thanks for the goosebumps.
Betty Draper says
The passing of a Godly saint has caused encouragement to be spread abroad. I live in Papua New Guinea and was totally blessed as I read your article. Now i must admit i have not listen to the song and we cannot get youtube here but first chance i get i will find someone who has it and listen with new ears because of what you posted.
Angi says
That song has been a reminder to me that God’s blessings don’t always look like I want them to look since the day I heard it. My husband left the church he was serving at as a full time pastor 3 years ago. We know it was what God wanted him to do. No hard feelings, etc. But… it’s been a long 3 yrs. He’s currently working bi-vocationally and has 2 other jobs. And yet, so many amazing things have happened during these 3 years. Blessings, lots of blessings, but ones that I probably would not have planned or chosen.