The delightful photo above, snapped by animal lover Trefor Roberts
outside Bethel Chapel in Holywell, surely speaks for itself. ‘The sun
shines down on the righteous’ and these folk who are members of PETS AS
THERAPY are to be commended for the voluntary work they undergo, not
only in visiting those in much need of a listening ear but that they may
also experience the therapeutic blessing which comes from these
specially trained and precious pets of theirs. These dedicated leaders
had come from quite a distance around and were a true tonic to meet. God
will bless their labours!
Indeed, Doreen and I had felt deeply honoured when asked to conduct
this special animal blessing service: she being my long blest organist
and myself the officiant. What is more, we were also grateful to the
ladies of the chapel who provided the refreshments afterwards. They are
so often, unintentionally, forgotten as they work behind the scenes!
Yes, but God knows; and that’s what really counts. Let me illustrate it
with a ‘supposed’ true story:
An affluent village church had held a bazaar to make funds; and after
the money had been collected from each individual stall, the convenor
read out what amount of money each one had raised. Well, following each
amount mentioned, loud claps followed. However, as is a human trait, the
lower the amount then the less was the clapping. The one who received
the least clapping from the assembled parishioners was an elderly widow
from a very humble home. She’d made a few cakes that no one particularly
fancied buying. Her contribution, being so meagre, resulted in a sole
clap from the elderly Parish Minister. Overcome with empathy for the
lady as well as no small disgust at the assembled garden fete, he
shouted “Silence! I think I can hear the clapping of One with pierced
hands!” ‘The penny dropped!’ and not a few felt quite ashamed as the
message went home. Yes, let us never forget that: “Man may judge from
the outward appearance, but God looks upon the heart”.
- Photo By Doreen.
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