When my boys were little, I would tuck them into bed every night, say their prayers with them, and speak positive affirmations to them. . .affirmations such as, “I am so proud of you,” “I’m so glad God sent you to be a part of our family,” “I love you devotedly,” etc., etc.

I used to whisper these affirmations in their ear when they were asleep. I don’t know if it helped, but I knew it wouldn’t hurt and maybe, just maybe it might record the message in their unconscious mind to help reinforce the fact that they were very much wanted and loved.

When my youngest son, Mark, was about nine I crept into his bedroom real early one morning. I was certain he was asleep. . .because he looked like an angel!

I quietly leaned over and whispered in his ear, “O beloved of the Lord.”

As quick as a flash he spun his head around and, looking upward, said without a moment’s hesitation, “Is that you God?”

When I regained my composure, I whispered back in his ear, “No, it’s not God, but he sent me to tell you that.”

By Dick Innes, Daily Encounter www.actsweb.org/detoday . Used by permission.