Speak Blessing

My husband and I were on our way back from the coffee shop around the corner.  (We ate out last night to grab a few extra minutes from the time I would be making dinner so we could sit, talk and enjoy each other before he headed out on a business trip.  These haven’t been too common in the last few months, which is a reason to give thanks.)  As we walked, I thought of how I would miss him.  I grasped his hand and leaned in close to his arm as we walked back to our place.

Instead of dwelling on what I would be missing, I began to think of what lay ahead of him this week.  This in mind, I began to speak blessing:  “I pray that God would go before you and with you.  I pray that he would encourage you.  I pray for opportunity as you go--to love your coworkers, to build relationships, to share the Good News, to encourage, to pray, to bless others, to spread the grace and peace of Christ.  May your actions be those that show love, your words those that speak peace, and may you see the many ways God has surrounded you with his grace.”  I gave him a smile.  He gave me a squeeze.

We entered our building and talked of the block party we were just invited to.  I said, “This scares me.  So I think we should go.”  He nodded and replied, “Sure.”  We pulled out our Bible and read a bit in Scripture—Joshua and 2 Corinthians—a habit we’re trying to grow in our time together…some days a little more successfully than others.  And then it was time for him to go.

He grabbed up his bag.  And as we walked towards the door, he spoke a variation of these words from Scripture—a blessing: “May the Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace” (Numbers 6:24-26).  I smiled.  He wrapped me up in his arms for a good hug and kiss before heading down the hall where we waved at opposite ends before he disappeared around the corner.

               

***

There are many days where we get this marriage thing wrong.  But this.  This, we got right.  We spoke blessing.  We should speak blessing to one another.  We should speak that which will encourage, lift up, and express love.  We should speak words that make souls stronger.  We should speak the things which will lead one another toward Christ and becoming more like him.  Don’t you agree?

“Kind words are like honey—sweet to the soul and healthy for the body.” Proverbs 16:24

Sometimes discipleship is all about the way we use our words.

Grace and peace be ours in abundance as we speak blessing over the family, friends, loved ones and strangers that cross our paths.  May it usher them into the presence of Christ.

Jessica :)