Chaplain

Wellbeing has been a focus of our week this week, and every week at Redlands. The staff have engaged in a wellbeing challenge which saw photos and videos of staff doing activities that restored them and enabled them to continue to serve the students well.

I engaged in some exercise which is part of my daily routine. I, also engage daily in quiet reflection time with God and his Word. This grows and strengthens my inner being, my spiritual self. I grow in my understanding and love of Jesus, I reflect on my own thought world and behaviour, I reflect on the anxieties and fears and find in God the knowledge and wisdom to negotiate the world and live well. I commend my friends, students and family to God which strangely grows my love and awareness of them.

This time is precious and restorative. It is more than mindfulness, more than meditation but as I quietly sit, read, think and pray, the work of God within me grows strength and resilience.

This is the experience of many, the bible echoes of generations who know this to be true. In Timothy he is encouraged with the reminder, “For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.”  The Psalms says “Be still and know that I am God.” While the bible is a treasure trove of God revealing himself, it is also a record of 3000 years of people’s experience of God.

This testifies that we, as humans, are more than just the physical and emotional, more than the rational and chemical – we are also spiritual and we need to tend this part of ourselves for good wellbeing.

The psychological research also tells us this. The overwhelming evidence is that a spiritual practice of prayer, reflection and church involvement promotes wellbeing and serves as a protective factor against a number of things like depression and risk-taking behaviours. This is why the chapel component of our wellbeing program is so important and continues in lockdown.

A number of Secondary School students engage in a daily practice as well. Each day I send a devotion with a reading, thought and prayer. You are also welcome to receive this. Ask your student what the chapel program is doing. If they are a Secondary School student you can share with them the Seven minutes for the Soul and the Postcard activities found on the Chapel ilearn page. Finally, churches are reaching out with various online services and devotions which may be something as a family you could consider to help you all tend to your spirit.

At this time, caring for our wellbeing is of such importance and I commend to you the joy of spending time with Jesus.

May the God of hope and love fill you all with his blessings today,

Ms Bronwyn Lihou
Senior Campus Chaplain
blihou@redlands.nsw.edu.au
9909 3133

Ms Fiona McKenzie
Junior Campus Chaplain
fmckenzie@redlands.nsw.edu.au
9953 6022