When life seems grey and not colourful
Over the school holiday period, like many people, I attempted a jigsaw puzzle or two.
One particular puzzle was of scenes of New York. The only problem was that this puzzle was mainly grey with only a few yellow cabs in it. It taught me patience and there were certainly some moments of frustration as I became sick of looking at grey on grey on grey.
When I completed the puzzle I went back through some family photos from a few years ago from when I visited New York. Our photos were full of colour and life, unlike the puzzle. Often as we look at life during more challenging times we see things as very grey and we fail to see the beauty, the joy, the hope, the opportunities and the colour.
We often are only happy when things seem to be going ok or when good things happen. When wonderful things happen in our life we hear people say “God is good”. Indeed God is good, but even in the tough times or when challenges come our way. As Christian people we know that the trials and struggles of this world will pass and we long for and cling to the promise of eternal life with Christ. As Christians we have a joy and peace that extends beyond our immediate circumstances and enables us to rejoice in the Lord because in him we find forgiveness, comfort, hope, peace, security and everlasting love.
Romans 15:13 says “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow by the power of the Holy Spirit.” This is certainly my prayer for our school community, that through the challenges of 2020 that we would trust God and be filled with his joy and peace.
Romans 8:28 reminds us “that in all things God works for the good of those who love him…” So with this in mind, no matter what the circumstances in which we find ourselves, we can have joy in knowing Jesus as our Lord and saviour.
Term 2 in a physically isolated world
Term 2 will see a return to face-to-face lessons in a staged manner. In the meantime as students, staff and parents we deal with the frustrations of technology not working always as we would like.
But also we should give thanks that despite our social isolation we can continue to learn online, that we can have contact with each other both socially and in lessons, and that we have many valuable and rich resources that enable our learning to still be meaningful and purposeful.
Often our lives are full of busy activities! In this time where we have had to cut back on some things, we should give thanks for time with our families and households and time to be still and spend with God.
Teachers have been working very hard to prepare for Term 2 and will continue to make adjustments as this situation unfolds over the coming weeks. But whether learning is online or face-to-face, our desire is to see students explore God’s world through the lens of scripture, to declare that he is good and sovereign, and to give thanks in all circumstances.
Simon Lainson
Principal
