From the Chaplains

I wonder if you have been to Walt Disney World in Florida? Walt Disney World was the first theme park of its kind. It sits on forty-three square miles – nearly twice the size of Manhattan. Originally, it took seven years to plan, and more than four years to build. Such an enormous undertaking, I think you’ll agree, could never come to fruition without a great mind having a clear vision.

Yet Walt Disney was never alive to see the end of the building works. Disney World had its grand opening on October 1, 1971, five years after the great Walt Disney passed away. During the dedication ceremony, someone turned to Mrs. Walt Disney and said, “Isn’t it a shame that Walt didn’t live to see this?” Mrs. Disney replied, “He did see it, that’s why it’s here.” 

Here at Pymble, we are surrounded by construction. Accompanied with this construction is lots of change, some disruption, some missing car spaces and strange new paths to walk around the College. But there is a vision in place, a picture of the kind of buildings fit for the kind of people that will make up this community.  

Our campus is a visible reminder of who we are as people. Each one of us, is like a building site, each one of us are “under construction:” we never stop becoming who we are- that includes all the mess and change that accompanies it. This quote from Mrs Disney, “He did see it, that’s why its here” reminds us, all who are under construction, that in the midst of the growing pains, the tiredness of the end of term to set our gaze on a vision. To focus on the people we are becoming and what kind of world are we constructing for future generations.   

Vision will always give growing pains a purpose. 

We see this especially during Easter when we celebrate Jesus’ death and resurrection. As Hebrews 12: 2 tells reminds us: 

“fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” 

Jesus embraced the cross, enduring its pain and shame because of what he saw on the other side of it: his vision of our salvation. May we each live as Jesus does, allowing vision to drive us on, providing us with purpose, even amidst pain.  

May I offer this Easter Prayer for each of us:  

Loving God, we thank you that you are the God that sees all things. You are the God who is Alpha and Omega, the God of the beginning, middle and end. Help us locate ourselves in your blueprint of life. Give us eyes to see and ears to hear your plans for our lives and how our own unique purpose connects with the needs of our planet and its people. Plant your vision in our hearts, grant us strength, patience, grace, resilience and joy as we continue to live as people and a community under construction. 

Cass Blake

College Chaplain