Familial Blessings

Familial Blessings

I will pour out my Spirit on your descendants, and my blessing on your children. They will thrive like watered grass, like willows on a riverbank. Isaiah 44:3-4

In today’s verses, the Lord makes a promise to Jacob and his descendants. He assures them that he will do more than protect them. He will also bless them so they will thrive and grow.

As parents, there are things we can do to bless our children and grandchildren and help them thrive. I’ve been in the same practice, treating many of the same families, for almost thirty years, and it’s given me a great perspective on what familial blessings can look like.

For example, one of the first families I met had kids who grew up and brought me their own children to treat. Now, the second generation is bringing the third, so I’ve had the opportunity to watch three generations of the same family thrive and grow.

Because of our history together, whenever a member of this family comes into my office, it’s always a special treat. I don’t see them as much as I would like, but from a health perspective that is a good thing. The last time one of the daughters was in my office, I had the chance to ask her, “Why is it that your family has always been so healthy?”

“None of us smoke or drink. We eat fruits and vegetables that we grow ourselves. We all eat dinner together, and we pray before we eat. And Momma and Daddy told us never to miss a Sunday at church.”

For generations, this family has been healthy and hardy. They come in for routine physical exams and those required for school or sports, but that’s about it. Even their blood work has remained remarkably consistent throughout the generations.

Recently, the family matriarch died. She was in her midnineties. If all my patients lived such long and healthy lives, I would go broke. But knowing this family as well as I do has only enriched my life by their kindness to all and their love and devotion to one another.

A family with good health habits flourishes and stays healthy for generations. What we proactively decide to do today can help our descendants to thrive.

TODAY’S RX

Follow God’s instructions for living, and teach your children—and your children’s children—to do the same.

Help me to remember, Lord, that my actions not only affect me, but my family as well. May I be an example of your kindness and peace and love.