Traditions That Stand
the Test of Time
By Chris Book, Executive Director
"God intends that we walk this journey called life together, serving each other, valuing the gift each person is to the community."
Yesterday was Mother’s Day. As we often do, after church my family and I came to Paxton Street Home for Sunday dinner. Not until we walked into the Dining Room did it occur to us that the staff on duty would do something special to honor the ladies in our community. The tables were beautifully decorated with freshly picked lilac and spirea. Male residents and staff served as waiters and handed out tulips to each woman in the room—mother or not. Everything about the occasion reflected the deeply rooted beliefs and values at Paxton Ministries. We call them our core values. Put another way, the things we saw revealed some of our traditions that have stood the test of time.
We believe all people are created by God and should be treated with dignity and honor. Every person Jesus met, He treated with respect. We intend to approach each conversation, action, encounter in a manner that reflects what Jesus modeled—regardless of one’s ability or disability. Serving us were maintenance, development, housekeeping and social service staff along with residents of all ages. All had rolled up their sleeves, donned an apron and a smile. Among those served were residents and staff with their children and grandchildren, guests and volunteers. All are members of our community. Mother’s Day is an opportunity to show everyone, but particularly the women in our community how special they are.
Perhaps not everyone who came for dinner yesterday realized the labor of love it really was. The staff and volunteers were nearing the end of a long weekend. After a yard sale and Mexican lasagna and ice cream sundaes on Saturday, they were tired. I saw another value. As a Christian ministry, we depend on God for our daily strength, wisdom and protection. This morning at our staff devotions, no one spoke of the amount of work when they reported on the weekend. They chose to make the day special and God blessed them with needed strength.
At Paxton Ministries, the whole purpose for our existence is to serve the residents, staff and extended members of our community. God intends that we walk this journey called life together, serving each other, valuing the gift each person is to the community. We should exclude no one who enters our doors. Celebrations like the one that occurred on Mother’s Day reflected some of those time honored values and traditions.
As you read the other articles in this series of articles, you will get a glimpse of the other values and traditions that make us who we are.
Series: What Makes Us Tick - A Look At Our Core Values
Article #1: Introduction: Traditions Stand the Test of Time
Article #2: Getting Dirty Together
Article #3: A Home Full of Gifted Persons
Article #4: Life In Community
Article #5: On Being In The Way
Article #6: He Leadeth Me
Article #7: A Joyful Heart Is Good Medicine
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