Dedication

Yesterday was Cooper's dedication service.  He had a joint dedication with Felicity, which made the day even more special.  A friend who came along said that her best friend, who I've met a number of times, said to pass on congratulations, God bless, best wishes or whatever one was supposed to say at these type of events.  It made me laugh, although I was touched by her thoughtfulness.

It made me wonder what people know about the purpose of such events.  Indeed, I'm sure different parents have different reasons too.  I thought I'd share the three reasons why I wanted to have a dedication service for Cooper.

To commit Cooper to God's care.
It is reassuring to know that there is someone who loves our son even more than we do, and who will be there even when we can't be.  A dedication service gives the opportunity to formally and publicly acknowledge that although Cooper has been entrusted to us, he actually was created by and belongs to God.  We committed ourselves to doing the best we can to raise him with a knowledge of God's love and according to his values and principles.

To ask for God's help with raising Cooper.
We are fallible humans and will no doubt make many parenting mistakes, but we took the opportunity to ask for God to give us wisdom, patience and all that is needed in child-rearing.

To declare our commitment to Cooper.
We made the promise to Cooper that we will do our best by him, and no matter what life choices he makes, even if we don't like them, we will always love and accept him.


The purpose of doing this publicly is to ask for the support of our church 'family' as we become parents and for their support and role-modelling to Cooper as he grows.

It is so special to be able to be part of a community and to have the all-powerful God to call on for help too!  It was an added bonus to be able to dedicate Cooper to the father of all creation on Father's Day too!