Passing on the Blessings
What a summer! Not only did we have the terror of the fires, we also had the wonder of what ordinary people, people like you and me, could do in those circumstances. Too often we underestimate the goodness and bravery and kindness that people like us can rise to in unexpected circumstances.
In our ordinary lives, we can train for these. The Fireys train for their service, as do the police, paramedics and the many groups that stepped up to the challenge. Everyday family and school life can be a real training ground in goodness, bravery and kindness. No parent or teacher underestimates how challenging rearing or teaching a child is.
There are many sources of teaching for us but one of the best is our own experience. Take a minute to think of the people who have loved you to this day. Perhaps write down their names. Consider one quality that you loved in each of them. Then try to live a quality consciously through this coming week. Try another one next week.
We have all met and been shaped by good people. It is through them that God showers blessings on us. It is for us to take up those blessings and pass them on to our children and our pupils and through us, they can know the blessings of God. (And perhaps one day, when we face a terror, we may be surprised by the goodness, bravery and kindness that comes from us.)
Loving God, you know it has been a tough summer for our nation. As we have been inspired by the extraordinary actions of many, may we learn how to show their goodness and bravery in our lives. We ask this in Jesus’ name, confident that you will hear us.
Sr Kym Harris osb