Dad's, this one is for you! You do so much for your families, and this showcases just one of your many strengths. Your words are powerful.
Even if you don't see their impact right away, keep speaking blessings over your children. Send a handwritten birthday card or a quick text. Tell them today you love them and are proud of them. These seeds will mature over time!
"The father of a righteous child has great joy; a man who fathers a wise son rejoices in him." (Proverbs 23:24)
We have twelve core principles at Arkos Global Advisors. One of my favorites? Deliver Blessings.
I see this principle in action when clients prepare to update their estate plan. How much should they leave to their kids? When should they receive it? How do they know their kids are ready for it?
Your blessing, however simple or elaborate you make it, is the vehicle to deliver affirmation, love, and belief to your kids. Your words are a critical part of preparing your kids for the wealth you intend to pass down to them.
My favorite blessing story comes from history. A man is preparing to launch into what will become his life's work. Before he embarks on his journey, his father gathers his friends and neighbors around and announces, "This is my son! I love him and am well pleased with him!" So the son begins his work and has an incredible impact on everyone he meets.
A few years go by, and the son knows he must face the most difficult test he has yet to take. His father again gathers his friends, this time just his closest companions, and again speaks a blessing over his son: "This is my son," he says. "He is marked by my love. Listen to him!" The son went on to not only face the most difficult trial of his life but to overcome and emerge in victory!
Before the son did any work, the father gave him a blessing of Identity ("This is my son!"), and Security ("I love him and he pleases me.") These gifts were unconditional, and not a product of what the son did for the father. They were freely given.
Before his greatest test, the father again blessed his son with a reminder of his Identity and Security, but this time he added to it Authority ("Listen to him!").
Set aside one morning in the month for each of your kids and write them each a letter. Make it unique. Tell them you love them and are proud of them. Tell them how you have seen them overcome and who you hope they become. Tell them what they mean to you. Schedule a date to share your letter with them, send it in the mail, or save it for a future event. However you choose to share it, your words carry a profound impact, and you may find your own heart transformed in the process.
At Arkos, we have a set of twelve principles designed to help families thrive across generations. Check out more blogs from our "Thriving Family Principles" series.
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