We typically look for affirmation, acceptance, and unconditional love in a variety of ways.

• The sexually abused daughter who grows up to become promiscuous, believing physical intimacy is the way to gain the blessing, or approval, of men.
• The son who has never been able to please his father, continues to push himself, trying ever harder to get an “atta boy”.
• The perfectionist who continually beats herself up because she could have “done it better,” never satisfied despite awards and recognition.

What we’re looking for is a blessing. God gave one to Moses for priests Aaron and his sons. This 3000-year-old blessing still carries deep meaning.

“The Lord bless you and keep you;
the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you;
the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.” Numbers 6:24-26 ESV

When his face shines on us and he gives us peace, our spirits are at rest. In his blessing we find unconditional love which remains constant, not because of who we are or what we do, but because of who HE is. God has chosen to delight in me. I don’t have to earn His love. I can’t. I simply need to receive it, bask in it.

And how can I give the blessing to others? In a video, an impatient man is given a pair of “all-seeing” glasses.People who before were irritants or interruptions are seen through a new lens—recognizing one needs a hug, a woman just lost a dear friend, a man lost his job. Seeing their pain, the man responds very differently than before.

Pray God for eyes to see and ears to hear, so I can bless those around me…with a warm smile, a listening heart, a “thank you” to store clerks, health care professionals, and others who serve me. I want to intentionally affirm those I love and those who need encouragement.

What choices will you make this week to receive and give blessing?