If you have been through a surgery or other dramatic or traumatic situation you know how it seems that certain things stick with you forever and yet others are almost impossible to recall. As I was getting ready for my surgery there are many things which are foggy or unclear but there is one moment I will never forget.
I had been called to go with the nurse to get prepped for surgery. I had the gown on, had spoken with the anesthesiologist and the nurses as well as the Doctor. Then my wife came in and I was so glad to see her! She brought comfort, a reminder that there is life beyond this moment by moment sterile environment, she reminded me why I was doing this … for life!
I do not remember how long she was there but I do remember it seemed like much to quickly they came to take me away. As I was being wheeled away she stood by gurney, took my hand and said, “The Lord bless and keep you…” and she began to tear up. “The Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you..” now I was beginning to tear up! “The Lord life up His countenance upon you and give you His peace!” as she only had seconds left before they got going faster than she could keep up with me she told me she was sorry for making me cry. I said it was ok, and it was, oh yes, it was ok!
Having been a pastor for 5 years I have spoken those words many times over so many people following communion or other services as well as in prayer sessions or counseling. These are the words that Aaron was told to use, ‘This is the way you shall bless the children of Israel’. This is God’s prescribed way to bless His people. Here I am laying on a gurney being rolled away and what comes from my wife's lips but God’s blessing for me! What greater words could be spoken then? What better prayer? And here I am on the receiving end of it! I have rarely been on the receiving end of such a blessing, I am the one pronouncing the blessing, not the receiving end.
Several days later I asked her about that moment. As the tears flowed again I discovered that during the tough times of her growing up years at home those were the words that her mother spoke and prayed over her. When push came to shove and I was being wheeled away she was not sure what to say, the words were not to be found to say ‘just the right thing’ and then the words of comfort and stability came to her remembrance, “The Lord bless you and keep you…”
I still cannot write or talk about it without tearing up. Those were the most meaningful words ever spoken in regards to a blessing because they were the very words of God, His words to be spoken for blessing His people.
Thank you Bev, for teaching your children well the words and the ways of God. I cannot thank you enough for those words. Thank you Lord for giving Aaron and all of us those words of blessing. Thank you my dear wife for speaking the most meaningful words that could have been spoken! I love you!
