Chaplain

Love is Kind. (1 Corinthians 13:4)

Kindness is a powerful way to support those around us because it is an act of love. Who of us do not appreciate a kind word, an unexpected gift or sensitivity to our difficulties by others? Yr 12 Class of 2020 are on the last leg of their high school journey and the CRU group wanted to show some support and encouragement so they have been working since last term hatching a kindness plan. They gathered in the holidays to prepare care packs for the Yr 12 students and are hoping this will be supportive for them as they face this last sprint.

Kindness is an illusive concept; quite hard to define but immediately recognisable when it is seen in action. To say that it is to be nice to others, sounds so insipid. Yet being warm, generous, even to notice others’ struggles is far from insipid, rather it requires strength and empathy.

One of my favourite verses in the bible is from Titus: ‘When the kindness and love of God our saviour appeared, he saved us’. The grammar is tantalising as it implies that the kindness and love is Jesus; that Jesus personified kindness and love not only in his final act of sacrifice but in his daily interactions with people. Certainly as you read the gospels Jesus showed kindness to people of all walks of life.

Term 4 is a busy term. Our school community has examinations, camps, excursions and the final year events. Let us embrace kindness to one another. Take the time to recognise the needs and stresses of others, look for ways to show small acts of kindness to others and together we can be community that supports each another well.

Ms Bronwyn Lihou
Senior Campus Chaplain
blihou@redlands.nsw.edu.au
9968 9830

Ms Fiona McKenzie
Junior Campus Chaplain
fmckenzie@redlands.nsw.edu.au
9968 9897