Dear Friends
In a former denomination in which I pastored, I would close the worship
service with what is called a benediction. A benediction is a blessing which is
active and meant to work in the hearts of the people to whom it is spoken.
"To speak well of, to bless," are two of the meanings Webster
provides in his dictionary.
But benedictions should never be limited to only those sitting in
the pews. I believe God calls us to be daily dispensers of benedictions.
He wants us to be on the lookout to dispense benedictions, both written and
spoken, to everyone around us.
Yesterday I received a surprise benediction from my grandson
who attends St Lawrence University. He is on my group lists for daily
devotionals, but his mom tells me he seldom ever checks his e-mails, so I never
expected to receive an e-mail from him. Much to my surprise, however, an e-mail
from him popped up on my screen containing a special benediction in which he
thanked me for a recent Leadership Thought I wrote on hugging. "I am a
hugger and I loved to be hugged, and I never miss an opportunity to hug others.
Thanks Poppy for your message. Love Huck." Wow, I was so excited to read
those words from my grandson that I ran into the bedroom to share the news with
Jean. "Jean, guess who e-mailed me today," and then I told her the
news.
I wrote back and said, "Huck", short for Huckleberry
(how he got his name is a story for another day) "I wanted you to know how
touched I was by your recent e-mail. And I thought to myself, you are part
of the reason I get up early each morning and try to think of something
encouraging to share with others. When I receive letters like Huck's, I am
encouraged to keep writing. Just one short e-mail of thanks made my day. I told
someone else who recently wrote me, "if you keep reading, I'll keep
writing," and I meant it.
Just last night our "Life Group" took Jean and me out to
a wonderful Thai restaurant, and during the meal one of the members of our
group stood up and spoke a benediction to both Jean and me. It was brief, but
those words will never be forgotten. It was a simple 'benediction'
expressing thanks and appreciation for our ministry.
Sometimes early in the morning when I can't think of anything to
say, I am tempted to take a writing vacation, and then I think of Huck and
others who are a part of my group list who have been such an encouragement,
like my college roommate, "Butch,” who dropped me a note of encouragement
this week.
As i write this message, I think of the apostle Paul's words to
his friends in the Corinth church. "I always thank God for you
because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus. For in him you have been
enriched in every way-in knowledge-because our testimony about Christ was
confirmed in you" (1 Corinthians 1:4-6). Paul was writing to them to
thank them that the things he had taught them that were being lived out in
their lives, and their actions clearly confirmed the truth and power of the
gospel.
Last night I was touched by the brief words of one of my
"Life Group" friends and remembering them this morning I thought of
the words of Mother Teresa who said, "Kind words are short
and easy to speak but their echoes are endless."
Over the years, I have been so blessed by the spoken and
written benedictions I have received from others, that I am continually on the
lookout to pass similar benedictions on to others. Is there someone in
your life who would be encouraged by a 'benediction'. If so, why not pick up
the pen or the phone and become a "benedictor" (my word) and let
them know they are loved and appreciated. Doing so will not only bless them but
it will bless you a hundred-fold.
Blessed to be a blessing.
Tom
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