“…and David returned home to bless his family.” (I Chronicles 16:43b)

Father’s Day has not been around all that long. President Lyndon B. Johnson issued the first presidential proclamation in 1966, but it was never officially recognized until signed into law by President Nixon in 1972. Up till then Congress had resisted making it a national observance for fear of commercialization. Now who could ever imagine that happening—Father’s Day commercialized? I’ll pass on the ties and gadgets, but I’ll admit that I enjoy the cards (especially the homemade ones) from my kids and other loved ones, and I’ll always take any excuse to get together with my family for a barbeque.

As I was thinking about what to say about Father’s Day this year, I was struck by this last verse in I Chronicles 16 describing what David did after he and all Israel had assembled for an amazing time or worship. The thought came to me—this could be the key to an amazing Father’s Day activity. So all you fathers and grandfathers listen up.

Instead of letting all the attention focus on us on Father’s Day, let’s do a turnabout and follow David’s example by blessing our families. God has put into our hands the power to bring cursing or blessing upon our families. Imagine what would happen if this Father’s Day every dad and grandfather returned home after church and blessed their families. Why not?! Here are two suggestions you might use, but whatever you do, make it a genuine expression of your heart.

1. Gather your family around you and read the following edited excerpts from God’s Hands by Roy Lessin*.

Today is in God’s hands and so are you.
His hands are strong and will uphold you;
His hands are great and will enfold you;
His hands are gentle and will embrace you;
His hands are protective and will cover you;
His hands are reassuring and will quiet you;
His hands are powerful and will defend you;
His hands are parental and will train you;
His hands are masterful and will conform you;
His hands are compassionate and will care for you;
His hands are healing and will renew you;
His hands are calming and will comfort you;
His hands are giving and will bless you.

The hands that hold you will never let you down.

And He took the children in His arms,
Put His hands on them and blessed them. Mark 10:16

2. Place your hands on each of your children and grandchildren one at a time and speak a blessing over them. If you cannot be with them in person, call by phone or Skype. You might say something like this: “May the Lord bless you and keep you in His hands always. May the Lord make His face to shine upon you and cause His favor to rest upon you. May the Lord keep you from evil and make your life full and rich in His grace and peace through Jesus Christ our Lord.”

* From Meet Me In The Meadow by Roy Lessin, co-founder of Dayspring; God’s Hand, Part One, May 23, 2011 and Part Two, May 25, 2011; http://roy.dayspring.com/2011/05