Chaplain

The Secondary Athletics Carnival was a wonderful day of learning. Teachers and students alike learn about techniques for throwing javelins, discus, putting shot put and jumping high and long. I had the great pleasure of watching students making attempts; some with spectacular success, others showing improvement on every try. The lessons of resilience and learning from failure were visible at each event.

I noticed there were adults who I did not know moving around from event to event just quietly correcting the students’ technique, giving a word of encouragement or praise. They were the team of Field Event coaches who serve our school so well. I watched them come along beside students, observe them and then have a mini-coaching session. They had good knowledge of technique, the rules and the ways to get the most out of each attempt. Their keen eye could pick the flaw in the students movement, grip, angle or visualisation. The coach knew better than the student and could see where correction and guidance was needed. It was exciting to see how their words of wisdom could shape the students’ outcome.

As I watched, I realised this is like the way that Jesus works in our lives. He brings a new perspective, a deeper understanding of the situations we find ourselves in. He knows us better than we know ourselves. He offers us wisdom, both in his word the bible and his presence to guide, correct and encourage us in our walk of life.

 ‘Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.’ (Proverbs 3:5,6) This is a lot like the students listening to the coach, they trust the coach: that he knows what he is talking about and has their best interest at heart. They do not argue with him, thinking that they know better, but rather they soak in the words so that they can throw further or jump higher or longer. They acknowledge the coach’s right to advise and his superior knowledge and as they do their performance in the event improves.

Lives today are complex, stressed and demanding. The world seems unpredictable with voices clamouring for attention all the time. Our path seldom seems clear. Yet there is a life coach who has superior knowledge of life and of us, who offers to guide, correct, encourage and walk beside us in all of life’s twists and turns so that we can live better. Is this not a life coach who we all need?

Blessings

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