The third desire we have, according to Mark & Debbie Laaser is the desire to receive a blessing.

Blessing is not about the prayer the crimudgeony uncle tells the ditzy aunt to say in Christmas Vacation. Nor is the prayer offered before dinner.

Blessing in this case is the assurance that we are loved and that you are a special person. The Laaser’s differentiate between being affirmed and being blessed by saying, “While affirmations are about what we do, blessings are about who we are.” They add parents are the primary vessel of blessing in the life of their children.

In the book, The Blessing by Gary Smalley and John Trent, the authors detail what the blessing can do for the ones giving the blessing and the one receiving. Throughout the book, they reference several times to the blessing to be given to Esau but was given to Jacob instead.