A Legacy of Blessing

On Tuesday of this week, Scott flew to England to begin his PhD studies at the University of Nottingham.  He will meet with professors and attend seminars as he begins the process for his work.  Since he will be away from family and friends during this time, our dear daughter-in-law, Abby, had people write him messages.  She then put the notes in envelopes for him to open at different times during his stay in Nottingham.

I love that Larry’s note of blessing and encouragement will be the first one for Scott to open and read.  And I treasure and am grateful that Larry is intentional about continuing the legacy of blessing our sons, too.

Dear Scott,

I am remembering how in the late summer of 1969 my dad got up early to have his breakfast and leave for work.  That morning he broke away from his normal routine and did something he had never done before, and never did again.  He wrote me a simple note.  He told me how proud he was of me and how he was praying for me as I began my college career.  To this day, I wish I had had the presence of mind to keep that small note.  It has meant so much to me and has been such encouragement to me through the years.  So, I packed up my ’65 VW Bug and headed to Sam Houston in Huntsville, TX.  Moves back then were a lot simpler.  No need to pack up computers, printers, microwaves and such.  They didn’t exist! 

 

I was immensely blessed to have a dad who loved me, believed in me, encouraged me, and promised his prayers over me.  My hope today is that I can carry on this “tradition” as you venture into your next level of education, a Ph.D. at Nottingham!  I recall how your mom and I shared a special time in your dorm room at Baylor, 1996.  We helped you get your room set up, made a trip to Wal-Mart, and finally prayed with you before we began our tearful journey back to Houston.  In many ways, it seems just like yesterday!

 

I am so excited about this new opportunity of study.  I clearly believed it is what you were called to do.  It makes so much sense that you begin this specific program.  I can see how God will use this in the years ahead to prepare you for the future work he has for you.

 

Know today that you are loved by God.  Know today that you are called by God to do this very thing.  Know today that you have my blessings.  Know today that you have the promise of my constant prayers over you.  Know today that the same God who created you is placing His hands of anointing and blessing on you.  I believe that and know that to be absolutely true.

 

I am proud of you and I will be praying for you!

 

Love,

Dad

 

Father, please use my words and deeds to be a blessing to others this week, too.

 

Ephesians 4:29

²⁹ Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.

 

Psalm 19:14

May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.