Archive of messages sent while serving as a bishop in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Brothers and Sisters, it’s finally that time of year; the month
the kids go back to school! Like many families, our family has always had the
tradition to administer Father’s Blessings just before the first day of school.
As a child, I looked forward to this day and now as a Father I anticipate it
even more. This serves as a special time of year for everyone in the family.
Dad’s get to exercise the Priesthood in the home and kids get to receive a sacred
blessing from their Heavenly Father.
Fathers have a sacred duty to preside and worthily bless
their families with the priesthood they hold. Elder Oaks taught in his 1987
conference address, “Fathers and other elders, cherish and magnify the
privilege of blessing your children and the other children of our Heavenly
Father.” Not all homes look the same and not all families have a father
available to give these blessings. This responsibility then falls on other
family members and home teachers.
Because of the great importance of the restored priesthood,
I call on every member of our ward to seek out a priesthood or father’s
blessing this month before the traditional start of school. Wives, ask your
husbands for a blessing. Families, ask your home teachers to bless your home.
Grandparents, encourage your children, wherever they are, to use the priesthood
in their home. The purpose of the priesthood is to bless our Heavenly Father’s
children. Please accept this invitation to allow our Heavenly Father to bless
you and your family as we all prepare for the school year ahead.
May the Lord’s blessings be abundant in your home as you
seek Him through prayer and through priesthood blessings.
