Smiles and Blessings

by

I recently shared a story about one of our grandchildren with you. Please bear with this joy-filled grandpa again!

Not too long ago as Joyce and I returned home from an event, we walked in the door to a room full of many of our family gathered for an evening together.

Our daughter Kyrie was holding their seven-month old son Lewis (grandchild number five). He was snuggled up on her shoulder, but as he heard our voices he turned his head and smiled. Oh, our hearts! He then twisted his body to face us and started twitching his legs and arms in excitement at seeing us.

What a gift to be welcomed with such eagerness and enjoyment. Our faces also lit up when we saw him. (Sometimes Joyce and I remind each other to also greet our grandchildren’s parents as well when they arrive with their kids.)

In Numbers 6:22–27, we have this ancient yet timeless Aaronic blessing:

The Lord said to Moses, Tell Aaron and his sons, This is how you are to bless the Israelites. Say to them: “The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.” So they will put my name on the Israelites, and I will bless them.

Powerful truth and goodness are packed in this little prayer! We have prayed it over many loved ones and friends throughout the years.

For today, I would highlight the beauty of the Hebrew meanings in these few words:

keep you—to keep, watch, observe, guard; to be set aside, be secured. turn his—to bear, carry, lift up; forgive. face toward you— face; by extension: appearance, presence.

Here is the wonderful truth: God’s presence is continually lifted up near us, toward us, for us—ready to bear our burdens and guard us from harm and evil. His face is smiling with unbridled joy and unshakable love, continually!

If our little grandson’s welcoming face can bring us such connection and delight, how much more so does the grace-filled, ever-loving, all-knowing, and truly-enjoying face of our Heavenly Father turned toward us!

Then the finale in this blessing: “and give you peace.” give—to place, put, establish, appoint, peace—shalom, wholeness, well-being, contentment, security. To have this great shalom of peace placed upon us by Almighty God, now that is a blessing!

May this very blessing rest on you today, my friends. May you receive His joy-filled face connecting with you, smiling at you. This is my prayer for you, as well as for the military men, women, and families we love and serve around the world.

David Schroeder
President