At 4:00 p.m. today our agency is celebrating the dedication of a new cottage for use in our family care program. It has been a long time in coming, but now everything is in order and it is time to celebrate. It is also time to express gratitude for those who made the cottage possible. Actually, today’s event has been carefully crafted to pay tribute to and express thanks for those who underwrote the costs, donated the labor and worked together to achieve a beautiful home for mother’s and children. It is through the fruition of many that everything as fallen into place and the home is now complete.
Several years ago I drafted a prayer of dedication that is on the agenda to be shared in the ceremony later today. Actually, I didn’t really draft it, I simply borrowed timeless truths from the wisest man who ever lived. However, it was going to be my privilege to read it later today.
Expression of Dedication
It was the writer of Ecclesiastes who said: “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: if one fall down, they can help each other up. But pity those who fall and have no one to help them up.”
Two are better than one. The opportunity to serve families in this location would not exist apart from the partnership and participation of many to make this home a possibility. This house is a testimony that “two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor.”
Bless this house, O Lord God. May all who come through its doors and call it home find safety, encouragement and hope. May this home provide mothers and children the resources and opportunities that will lead them to a brighter tomorrow.
It was Mother Theresa who said: “Spread love everywhere you go. First of all in your own house. Give love to your children, to your wife or husband, to a next door neighbor…Let no one ever come to you without leaving better and happier. Be the living expression of God’s kindness- kindness in your face, kindness in your eyes, kindness in your smile, kindness in your warm greeting”.
It is our hope that families who make this house a home will discover all they need to support their healing and that when they leave this place they will be both better and happier.
Bless this house O Lord God. May all who come through its doors can call it home find safety, encouragement and hope. May this home provide mothers and children he resources and opportunities that will lead them to a brighter tomorrow.
Despite my physical absence from the presentation today, I will be very much present in my thoughts.
All My Best!
Don