Our congregation and our family work to mark significant happenings in our daily lives with blessings and prayers that remind us of God's presence with us in the everyday moments of life.  So today, my daughter Hannah was going to get braces.  We thought this was an occasion worth marking with God's presence and quickly turned to the source of so many creative ways of celebrating faith in daily life...the internet.  Unfortunately, Google turned up next to nothing useful this time.  Undeterred, I wrote the following simple blessing and offer it to any of you who may find yourself looking for a way to celebrate, encourage, and support someone you know who's about to get braces too. 

(Child's Name), Your smile has lit up our lives from the day you were born. 

Take a look at some of these pictures…

     Show some pictures of him/her from photo books, Facebook/Instagram/etc. or on your phone.

Today you’ll be receiving braces.  That no doubt will bring some struggle, fear, and frustration, but in the end it is about making your smile brighter, your will stronger, and your heart braver. 

It has been said that…
     “Everyone smiles in the same language,” and
     “A Smile, is the key that fits the lock of everybody’s heart.”

Our prayer for you is that you will always keep smiling, knowing it will fill you and the world with the joy God has given you, and the joy you bring to all of us. 

Let us pray,
Loving God, bless (Child's name) today as she/he receives her/his braces.  Fill her/him with courage and strength.  Comfort her/him and bring her/him laughter and joy along the way, so that she/he will always be smiling.  In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

Peace and prayers
Jim Lewis
​Pastor @ Advent Lutheran Church
​5525 Harper Road + Solon, OH 44139

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