The Foundation: Blessing Your Child Series

III. ATTACHING HIGH VALUE:

Attaching high value to the person. The word for bless in the Hebrew means "to bow the knee in honor." It carries with it respect and even awe. That’s why so many of the Psalms say, "Bless the Lord!" When Isaac blessed his son he made it very clear that he thought he was very important. Vs:29- “May peoples serve you and nations honor you. You will master your brothers, and your mother’s sons will honor you. Those who curse you will be cursed, those who bless you will be blessed."

One way we communicate high value is by using what Smalley/Trent term "Word Pictures." A word picture is the describing of a positive trait in your child by using an object that characterizes that trait. Jesus did. He said to Peter, one of his followers, "From now on I’m going to call you Peter "a rock"(LB) We can say to our children things like: "Boy, you’re as dependable as the rock of Gibraltar." "How did you see that? You must have eyes like an eagle."

Another way we attach high value is to really listen to your child. This is so important. I remember one time when Zach was about 5 and he came up to me while I was reading and said, “Daddy?” I said, “What?” He said, “Daddy?” I said, “What?” He said again, “Daddy?” Finally I put down my book in exasperation and said, “What, Zach.. I don’t have to be looking at you to hear you!” Oh yes I did! I wasn’t giving him my full attention, I wasn’t really listening. So, parents don’t make my mistake. When this precious one talks, put down the newspaper, we turn off the radio in the car, mute the TV. Look into their eyes and listen attentively to what they’re saying. When we do that we are attaching high value to our children by telling them, "You’re important to me - more important than the news, more important than the ball game."

Another way we attach high value is by giving our children increased privileges as they grow older. "You can spend the night over at her house." "You can bake the cake." "You can ride your bike to school." "You can back the car out the drive. You can drive on the snow."

Another way is to spend prolonged time with your children. One of the best things I did when my kids were younger, was have a "Daddy’s Day Out." Because Deb was home with them we made sure I had some time where I took one of our 3 children out, just them and I, to a place of their request (Money being an object!) Now, that means I put up with video arcades and shopping and playing pirates on the playground. But the time we spent together was worth it. I would counsel you to plan that time, schedule it and don’t let anything interfere with it, if possible. The point here is to make a priority of spending meaningful time with your children.

IV. PICTURE A SPECIAL FUTURE:

I want “Tim, the Tool Man’ Taylor” to introduce our 4th phase of the Blessing. Brad, the oldest son has promised his studies wouldn’t fall off if he’s allowed to do a paper route. Jill, his mom is unsure but Tim decides it’s time his son show he can “do the job!” It doesn’t work but Brad is afraid to quit because to do so would disappoint his dad. Once again Tim gets sage advice from his neighbor, Wilson.