- Father, you have made these children as varied as the flowers of a garden. You have blessed each one uniquely. Each growing child is infinitely precious in your sight. You have trusted us to nuture them. Help us to remember that each child is filled with curiosity, an open heart, and a zest for life.
Dear God, your love and care strengthen us always. Help us to seek you with childlike faith and respond to your call by seeing your face in everyone we meet. May this year be wholesome and productive, where questions are raised and answered, knowledge grows, and prayers are heartfelt and free. We ask this in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ, whose example is our model for life.
Amen.
Blessed are you who take the time
to listen to difficult speech
for you help me to know that if
I persevere I can be understood.
Blessed are you who never bid me to "hurry up" and
take my tasks from me and do them for me,
for I often need time rather than help.
Blessed are you who stand beside me
as I enter new and untried ventures,
for my failures will be outweighed
by the times I surprise myself and you.
Blessed are you who understand
that it is difficult for me,
to put my thoughts into words.
Blessed are you who with a smile,
encourage me to try once more.
Blessed are you who never remind me,
that today I asked the same question two times.
Blessed are you who respect me
and love me just as I am,
and not like you wish I were.