From the Chaplains

The cold spell over the weekend came as an unpleasant surprise and it is almost as though we had settled for the happy medium of autumn and dreamed it would last forever. As the coldness shocks us, it also reminds us that there are so many of our fellow Australians who are without shelter and food, and who are depending on our generosity to make things change for them.

The hardship of winter is a stark reality for many of us as we change the way we dress, eat, and even retire to bed earlier. I find the changing seasons to be such deep lessons for us. The next time an event or circumstance doesn’t turn out the way you planned, maybe giving it some thoughtful attention before responding might be one lesson.

The changing of leaves and the shifting of colours and falling of the same as they become one with the earth, is the process that can slow us down too. Today at Combined Assembly when I was leading in prayer, I gave the students and staff an opportunity to practice the sacred pause, where one slows down one’s pace of breathing, and sits in the moment, holding it with endearment.

I hope you can slow your pace down in the pursuit of life and cataloguing all you must to feel complete. I hope you can attend to yourself and then your child or loved one and those who come your way, with selflessness, peace, and gratitude. For the gift of life is indeed one from the Creator who has bestowed us with strength for the day, and hope for tomorrow as a famous hymn reads.

I will close with a blessing I have written for you this week:

May the risen Christ bless you with moments you can look upon with endearment, meals you can share with your children, a warm bed to soothe your aching body and tired mind, and an awareness for the Other who is yet awaiting the generosity that spurs you on in life’s journey.

Reverend Punam Bent