Ordinary Blessings for Parents
Photo by Brian Gordillo on Unsplash
I wrote Ordinary Blessings for Parents in the nooks and crannies of Covid Time, when I was home in the close (and constant) proximity of my kids. Quarantine magnified everything about our family life and I noticed all kinds of moments and milestones I might not of otherwise.
I hoped this book of blessings would find its way into the hearts and homes of families everywhere, a spiritual high-five for parents and caregivers navigating the routines and rituals of life together. These blessings meet you where you are and offer a witness to remind you that you do not go about this sacred work all alone. You are seen and known by a God who knows and delights in your ordinary, who comes near to declare it extraordinary.
One of my favorite blessings is inspired by watching my kids discern what they are willing to share with their parents. I remember trying to figure out what to tell and how to tell it, wondering how my parents would react to my questions and confessions. I wrote “For Safe Sharing” to bless our best intentions, our trust building, and our promise to receive what they offer along the way.
“For Safe Sharing”
I promise
that when you share something
confusing
embarrassing
vulnerable
scary
awkward
consequential
I will not do anything
without your consent.
I will hold space
for your agency and power,
which might already feel
small or threatened.
I will listen to everything
you wish to share and
will respect what you are not
ready to speak aloud.
I will be responsible
for my own opinions and feelings
because these things
are not yours to manage.
I might not be able
to make it all better,
but I promise
I won’t make it worse.
“Ordinary Blessings for Parents: Prayers, Poems, and Meditations for Family Life” is available wherever books are sold. This book is endorsed by Christian, Jewish, spiritual and secular leaders and the blessings do not assume a Triune theology.
Meta Herrick Carlson
Meta Herrick Carlson (she/her/hers) is a pastor and writer living in Minneapolis, Minnesota. She serves a two campus congregation all learning how to let go and lean in for the sake of a shared future. Meta’s first book Ordinary Blessings: Prayers, Poems, and Meditations for Everyday Life proves a worthy gift in these uncertain times. Her second book Speak It Plain: Words for Worship and Life Together with more ordinary blessings and resources for church nerds and liturgical communities was released in December 2020.
Website | Instagram
Join us for Enfleshing Witness 2022, a free, virtual event featuring Jeff Chu, Kirk Whalum, Kim Jackson, and others.
Church Anew is dedicated to igniting faithful imagination and sustaining inspired innovation by offering transformative learning opportunities for church leaders and faithful people.
As an ecumenical and inclusive ministry of St. Andrew Lutheran Church, the content of each Church Anew blog represents the voice of the individual writer and does not necessarily reflect the position of Church Anew or St. Andrew Lutheran Church on any specific topic.
