January 10 – “A Blessing”

 Yesterday I was honored to be a part of the ceremony of dedication for a brand new fire station here in Galveston.  The downtown Central Station will be torn down and replaced by parking and green space, and the new station will be built across the street in a current parking area.  That will mean the historic city hall building and the new fire station will be joined by a park in between.  The style of the building will incorporate aspects of that building as well as the other historic buildings in the area.  All in all, it is a pretty exciting move by the city.  Especially with the poor conditions in the current fire house. 

Fire Chief Wisko acted as the master of ceremonies for the affair.  Mayor Yarborough spoke, as did the city council representative for the district, Amy Bly.  The architect for the project, Daniel Pesek, also had a few words to share.  Every member of City Council was on hand.  Several fire crews were there, and quite a few off duty guys came as well.  Numerous retired fire fighters spotted the crowd.  The folks from the fire marshal’s office all came out.  Texas General Land Office, the construction company, and city staff and others from the architect firm were also on hand.  It was quite the affair. 

My part was to “bless the site.”  Now, I don’t have any mystical power to cast a spell that will keep out evil intentions.  But I do know how to pray.  And the One I pray to can do quite a bit more than just spout some feeble attempt at anti-hexing.  Here’s a look at my notes for the day.  Oh, and special thanks to the mayor for holding my container of water.

Philippians 4:4-8 says:

   Rejoice in the Lord always.  I will say it again: Rejoice!  Let your gentleness be evident to all.  The Lord is near.  Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

   Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

Blessing with Water:

The flower is a symbol of life – the life that comes from Creator God.  Water has long been a symbol of the Spirit of God.  I splash the water in every direction to say that we are asking God to cover every inch of this place with his protection and power.

After I read each of the following lines, repeat the phrase “Bless this place”.

(Lightly dip the end of the flower into the dish of water.  Toss the water in four different directions)

May the power of God surround this place and be a source of guidance and hope personally, spiritually, and even politically to all who enter.

     Bless this place

May the presence of God touch and protect the lives of the firefighters and staff and administrators both here and in their lives at home.

     Bless this place

May the peace of God that passes all understanding make this place to be a safe haven, both for those on shift and for the community they serve.

     Bless this place

May the activities and thoughts and plans and prayers uttered in this place be blessed by the God who sees in secret and loves us anyway.

     Bless this place

Closing Prayer:

      Father, we ask that you bless this site and all who come here.  We ask that your presence be alive in each person who passes through here, and in all those they touch when they leave.  We pray that you will be a light in the hearts of the people who come here, a place of comfort in times of pain, a compass when they feel lost, and an assurance that they will never be alone when they are connected to you.  I pray in Jesus’ name.  Amen.