Chaplain

‘There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under the heavens;’

So says the philosopher of the bible (Ecclesiastes 3:1). This is a reminder as we face the exciting new changes in the next week: resumption of On-Campus Learning!

There will be a gambit of emotions for our students, staff and parents. There is the putting away of the unique time of close quarters and shared lunches as we all worked at home. While we will be excited about eating with our friends, there may be a tinge of grief as we change our routines again.

Many of us will need to put the alarm on earlier as we start the routines of ‘normal’ life. Normal with the demands of time schedules, transport, uniforms and packed lunches. There are the more tricky things like negotiating relationship groups after a long time apart. Who of us do not feel discomfort about getting back to full face-to-face relationships even if we are excited? Then the inevitable lack of condition we have: more social interactions, full days in school and in the classroom; all these will drain our social and emotional tanks and so we will be tired and perhaps grumpy.

While there is a time for everything and the time has come to return to On-Campus Learning let me encourage you with this: “Bear one another’s burdens and in this way fulfil the law of Christ.” We need to bear with the short tempers, the tears, the excitement of others and share the burdens others are traveling with. This is particularly true for families as we set out on our daily lives, test the waters at School then return to the safety of the home.

I remember as a teen rushing home to share my day with my Mum. I remember as my own children grew through schooling that our custom was to share a meal in the evening and every one shared a highlight and lowlight of the day. This created a safe space and opportunity for them to express their emotions, share concerns and celebrating (or indeed looking for) the good. Particularly at this time of change this may be a custom you would like to adopt so that you can bear the burdens by listening to your children. As we were a family of faith we would often also pray about the concerns and give thanks for the joys that we had recalled and shared.

This is an exciting and wonderful time. As we have a sense of celebration, allow the space for the mixed emotions we may all feel.

May the God of love fill your hearts and minds with faith and joy.

The prayer meeting for parents and community has been delayed to Thursday 4 November at 7.30 pm so as not to clash with the RFPA AGM.

If you are interested in praying please contact Sally Swan (swanlsally@gmail.com) who will forward you a zoom link.

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