The Blessing

I am reading a book called "The Blessing." It is written by John Trent, PH.D. and Gary Smalley. It is about how the acceptance of our parents affects the rest of our lives, and that if we don't get this acceptance, we will look other places to get it. They write about five ways we can bless our children:

1)Meaningful touch
2)A spoken message
3)Attaching high value
4)Picturing a special future
5)An active commitment

The chapter I read last night discusses what happens to a child who misses the blessing.

1)The Seekers-People who are always searching for intimacy, but once they have it, seldom can tolerate it
2)The Shattered-People deeply troubled by never getting acceptance from their parents. Experience fear, anxiety, depression, emotional withdrawal, even suicide
3)The Smotherers-People who smother other persons for their unmet needs because left so emotionally empty from their past
4)The Angry-People who have never forgiven or forgotten their parents and live life with a chip on their shoulder
5)The Detached-People who missed the blessing protect themselves the rest of their lives from it ever happening again by keeping everyone at arm's length
6)The Driven-People such as extreme perfectionists, workaholics, notoriously picky house cleaners try to get the blessing by earning it, and forget the blessing is a gift
7)The seduced-People who miss out on the blessing that look for love in all the wrong places, which can lead to immoral relationships, alcoholism, drug abuse, or compulsive gambling

We are reminded at the end of this chapter there is hope for those who did not receive the blessing from their parents that the Lord offers to everyone.

This chapter made me realize the tremendous responsibility God has given to me as a parent. I pray that God will give Brian and I the ability to show Kayla how much we love her and value her everyday.