From the Chaplains
Every morning I take a moment to pause and pray. It helps rejuvenate me and align with the Spirit of God. One of the books I read is Dare to Journey: with Henri Nouwen. We are wonderful at connecting via our phones and social media, as well as seeking help with the Health practitioners, but how we can step back just a bit to think about what it means to be a good neighbour.
The Jewish and Christian Scriptures (my spiritual reference point) speaks of the neighbour and this relationship as one of great value to how we understand God’s presence in the world.
In a time where professional helpers, of all kind, be it counsellors, psychiatrists, social workers and other specialists can contribute to all kinds of resources and even healing, there is always more we can seek in the ordinary aspects of life.
For our wellbeing, meaning, hope and purpose can truly shape our lives to be more wholesome. What kind of a neighbour are you? I’m not referring to just the person who lives next door. This could be anyone our lives encounter through school, extra-curricular, sport or work be it volunteering or your profession. Sometimes people don’t just need specialist help, they need care, compassion, and gentle nurture.
They might need a cuppa and some love. They might need a spark in their moment of darkness and to quote Henri Nouwen: ‘in our world of loneliness and despair, there is an enormous need for people who know the heart of God, a heart that forgives, that cares, that reaches out and wants to heal.”
As Year 12 prepare to graduate and the Year 11s embark upon new leadership at the College, we pray God’s blessing upon their continuing journey. As we draw closer to the end of Term 3 a big shoutout to all our teachers, admin staff, health care, caterers, horticulturists, professional services and maintenance crews who make it possible for us to be a community here at Pymble.
These are the unsung heroes who are often the neighbours I turn to when the going gets tough.
Let us reexamine where our hope lies, and how we can be signposts of God’s love and peace to others.
Have a blessed rest of the week.
Reverend Punam Bent
College Chaplain