Bedside Blessing

I am not been at the beside of a close friend or family member when they breathed their last. The ones I’ve heard about couldn’t talk much at the very end of their life. There are those who have spelled everything out for their family. There are those who’ve never told their children how much they were loved. I believe death is often harder because the loved one didn’t prepare properly the ones who will follow in death later. The death rate on earth is 100% – we all die. I know that this sounds harsh, but it is very much a reality. I often act like I’ll live forever, but I know the sobering truth that I’m well into the second half of my life here on earth.

I am a blessed Dad of five kids who are or becoming fine adults. I pray for them to honor the Lord with their lives. I pray that their faith grows stronger as they grow older.

Jacob called all of his boys together and gave them a final word. A few of them he had positive things to say. Some of his words were a bit harsh. He really blessed Joseph and his bond with Joseph was obviously very deep. They had missed a lot time together is some of Joseph’s formative years. Check this out….

²² “Joseph is the foal of a wild donkey,
    the foal of a wild donkey at a spring—
    one of the wild donkeys on the ridge.
²³ Archers attacked him savagely;
    they shot at him and harassed him.
²⁴ But his bow remained taut,
    and his arms were strengthened
by the hands of the Mighty One of Jacob,
    by the Shepherd, the Rock of Israel.
²⁵ May the God of your father help you;
    may the Almighty bless you
with the blessings of the heavens above,
    and blessings of the watery depths below,
    and blessings of the breasts and womb.
²⁶ May my fatherly blessings on you
    surpass the blessings of my ancestors,
    reaching to the heights of the eternal hills.
May these blessings rest on the head of Joseph,
    who is a prince among his brothers. (Genesis 49:22-26 NLT)

There is a lot of weight in final words. I can remember some of the final words of people who’ve gone on before me. Those final words can encourage and bless or hurt and scar. I going to fight off becoming a crochety old man. I want to consistently season my words with kindness and love. I want to be a blessing to my family and friends right to the end of my life. I would love to still be an encouragement and an inspiration at the end of my life. I also want to have space in my life to receive inspiration and encouragement. Being a blessing to others is a conscious choice every day in all sorts of circumstances.

Pressing On!

Dwayne