#52 Ancestor Challenge 2019, Week 43 – Traveling to Be Blessed

#52 Ancestor Challenge 2019, Week 43 – Traveling to Be Blessed

Being Blessed

The Rev. Dr. Cynthia Forde

I am thankful for my five children, my “olive shoots.” The Psalmist writes, “your children will be like olive shoots around your table,” promising that children will be a blessing for those who fear the Lord. (RSV 128:1-4). My children are indeed a blessing; they became healthy, contributing adults, who raised their own olive shoots, who are now raising more olive shoots, blessing their lives and mine! 

Recently, after lunch with a granddaughter and her two daughters, ages five, and two and one-half, the girls wanted to sing a song. I was very surprised when the five-year-old opened a hymnal to the index, found therein the hymn she wanted to sing, noted the page number, and with a little coaching from her mother, located the correct page for her hymn of choice, Holy, Holy, Holy. And their sweet voices sang the hymn, blessing me with the oil of gladness pouring out of these young olive shoots. Blessed? Yes! I could not hold back the tears. Not only was I blessed, but it was indeed like being anointed. 

Holy, Holy, Holy Lord God Almighty
Early in the morning, our song shall rise to Thee.
Holy, Holy, Holy merciful and mighty
God in three persons blessed Trinity

Holy, Holy, Holy Lord God almighty
All thy works shall praise Thy name in earth sky and sea.
Holy, Holy, Holy merciful and mighty
God in three persons blessed Trinity