The Blessing

Originally uploaded by laundrylessons.

JP put his shirt on backwards and flipped it around at the bus stop. Paige used her new hair-straightener and had to dash to the bus, last minute, as it pulled up. And Graham packed a Webkinz cat as a stow-away in his backpack. Ahh, the first day of school.

All over the blogasphere I’ve been reading other mom’s “yahoos” or “boohoos” about the first day. I’m mixed, really needing both a couple more weeks to relax and enjoy the kids, and also needing a routine and a chance to do my stuff. But I’m not going to reflect about my kids’ brand new box of crayons or butterflies in their stomachs. Today I was haunted by “The Blessing”.

Years ago a mom, whom I admired, told me that her kids, no matter how old, weren’t allowed to leave for school without “The Blessing”. At the time I only had pre-schoolers, so the few hours they left me were a giant relief, not anything worry about. But now with Paige entering 8th grade, where kids start to smoke and make-out in the hall, the weight of my children’s absence bears down on my day. I came up with my own “Blessing” several years ago, as a way to connect with my kids and let them know God was hopping on the bus too. I never forget “The Blessing”.

Buses have waited for me to administer the words over the kids’ heads. If I drop a child at school we hold up the line of cars while I hold their hand and pray. Usually I have to bless JP and Paige while feeding Merritt. But today, the first day of school, I forgot.

The photographs were taken, health forms were stashed in backpacks, and yes, that hair was straightened. But my heart sank as Paige made her dash to the bus and JP gave a wave without looking back as he jumped on his bus. “The Blessing” usually takes place at home, and I forgot to say it before we left the house. At the bus stop I got busy chatting and didn’t think to bless the kids until the bus pulled away.

My children know that God and I love them, but those precious words seal our separation. Something was left undone, and it haunts me today like forgetting an item on the grocery list after I’ve left the store. (Which, by the way, I did yesterday!) So before the kids get their hands on the cookies I plan to bake later today…I think I’ll give them the blessing. It is never the wrong time to pray with and for each child and I hope by pointing out my forgetfulness, they’ll help me remember tomorrow.

“The Blessing”
Dear God, please go with Paige, JP and Graham today. Open their hearts for friendship and their minds for learning. Let them know what each of their unique gifts are and how to use them. Lord, let them know how much I love them, Dad loves them, and You love them. Amen.