I have shared before in these messages about our Chaplain, Rev. Rick Jones. Chaplain Rick has been with Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch for 11 years. He is the best person ever to be a Chaplain at a place for hurting children. He is strong in his faith, compassionate, and relatable. The children love him.
Beyond his work with the children, Chaplain Rick provides support and counsel to our staff. Part of that is a daily devotion, sent by email, written specifically for the folks who work at Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch. Today, I’d like to share one of these writings with you. Although written for our staff, I think this one applies to you, as a dear friend of the Ranch, as well.
Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you; before you were born, I set you apart. —Jeremiah 1:4
"'Why me?' I think we have all asked that question at some point or another. When we are faced with incredible circumstances or presented with a task that is less than pleasant, we sometimes wonder, 'Why me?' But why do we only seem to ask this question in the negative times in our lives? Why do we only question bad fortune instead of questioning good fortune? Why do we not reflect upon the blessings in our lives by asking, 'Why me?'
'Why am I blessed with a steady income and a warm bed?’ ‘Why do I have a devoted spouse?’ ‘Why have I been blessed with the gift of children?'' Why do I not have to go hungry?’ ‘Why do I get to work in a place where I can help people who are less fortunate than I am?’ ‘Why do I get to see those who face terrible struggles receive the help and support they need?’ ‘Why have I been blessed to help children and families succeed in the name of Christ?’
Honestly, I don’t know. I don’t know why any one of us has been selected to be a part of Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch. I don’t know why God has chosen you to carry out his work among our at-risk children. I don't know why we get to help people, on a daily basis, find the healing they need in their lives. I don’t know other than to tell you that, like Jeremiah in the Bible passage above, you were chosen by God for a purpose. Before you were even born, you were set apart to do his work for the lost and hurting people of the world. You have been appointed to serve others with the loving care that God promises them.
'Why me?' can be a question of praise and thanksgiving instead of complaint and concern. Why you? Because God loves you and has a purpose for you in his kingdom. Despite anything in you and regardless of anything you might do, you have been chosen by God out of his love, for his purposes.”
Thank you for being part of the Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch family, and for helping us meet our purpose.
In His love,
Joy Ryan, President/CEO
Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch
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