Chaplain

The delight of having students in the classroom warms my heart and reminds me why I became a teacher in the first place. Thank you to parents for entrusting your children to Redlands. I just love teaching them as each of their individual personalities and warmth comes out.

I started today with a very excited Yr 7 class. The classroom throbbed with excitement and smiles.

Students reflected in this time on the experience of isolation. While there was anticipation of return of sport and more face to face time with friends, there was also a sense of gratitude and appreciation that this was a unique season for them.

The time of restriction on our movement and socialising has given us a new appreciation and gratitude for many things that are overlooked in the hustle of life. Time to reflect; time to be with family; the joy of laughing with our children; the beauty of a walk; the peace of life less rushed; the pleasure of teaching our children to cook (and clean up); the challenge of finding new ways to connect with others; the wonder of just thinking. There is so much to be grateful for in this phase of life.

There is much to give thanks for as we look at our country and how we have coped with lockdown and the beginning of a staged return. I am humbled and thankful for those I know who work in hospitals as representatives of all those working in that arena. I am thankful for the army of cleaners and their quiet persistent work. I am thankful for the clear blue skies and the grey clouds that leads to life-giving rain. I am thankful for the mercies I see each morning.

There is still a long way to go, with many challenges and transitions still to face. Taking the following verse to heart can help to navigate this terrain ahead: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” (Philippians 4:6). This captures the balance between letting go of the concerns we do not have control over and not allowing it to consume us. It reminds us that God has an eager ear and a unique perspective. He hears and answers though we may not see the precise answer we are expecting. It also tells us that as we set our anxiety aside and call to God, we can do it with thankful hearts appreciating the blessings God has bestowed on us now and into the future. As we trust God, he showers us with peace.

So like my Yr 7 class, it is good to reflect, be thankful and look for the joys still to come.

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

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