“Wisdom that Sticks” (#100) are daily insights to cultivate love, wisdom, and intentional living, based on a Wisdom Tool exercise in Cultivating Love: Wisdom for Life by Dr. Ken McGill

This is meaningful not only because it’s my 100th post in the Wisdom that Sticks series, but also because Deuteronomy 6:4–9 is one of the foundational passages for my book, Cultivating Love: Wisdom for Life.

I call this the Shema Blessing. When it is paired with the five Blessing Principles from Dr. Gary Smalley and Dr. John Trent: warm touch, affirming words, attaching high value, envisioning a special future, and demonstrating a commitment to make that vision a reality, it creates love, stability, and secure attachment in a child’s life.

Children, and adults, partners, family members, and friends don’t just survive; they flourish when we consistently practice these simple, intentional, and transformative behaviors.

So take the time to love and bless your children, and the people in your life!Dr. Ken McGill, LMFT, works with individuals and couples to build healthier relationships through therapy integrating psychology, theology, and neurobiological concepts. His work includes relationship repair and growth, faith-integrated CBT, an Internal Family Systems (IFS) focus, and Healthy Adult Mode schema therapy. Telehealth is available statewide in California and Texas, with in-person sessions in Plano, TX. Learn more at www.drkenmcgill.com or email drkenmcgill@live.com.