In our staff devotion time this week one of our teachers suggested that we must learn perspective not a formula.
It certainly gave me pause. What does it look like to operate in terms of perspective, not formula?
In a VUCA (Volatile, Uncertain, Complex and Ambiguous) world that is often broken and difficult there is no formula, no one solution, no pre-prescribed golden egg we can implement and trust to deliver us from every difficult situation, relational breakdown or unforeseen impediment.
As a father, teacher, and principal I find this completely challenging.
A perspective approach means I recognise I cannot control the outcomes of the circumstances my children will face (or me for that matter) by the imbuing of a formula. Instead, it implies a need to train those around me to be able to think for themselves and respond based on who they are and what they believe. Then, rather than controlling the circumstances so that they never have to think for themselves, I must let go and trust them!
Therefore, as educators in a VUCA (https://bit.ly/3QwGsR7) world we must train our students in perspective that fosters an identity that won't be shaken in the face of popularity, a purpose that won't be watered down in the face of difficulty and a hope that won't be extinguished in the face of brokenness.
We cannot afford to imbue a formula that will become outdated or contextually dependant because our world, their world, will continue to change. A perspective is flexible and adaptive; a formula is not.
So, what perspective must we model and teach our children?
King David, in the Psalms states that blessed it is the man whose strength is in God, who creates highways in his heart to Zion. Here the heart is a metaphor for a person’s thoughts and habits and Zion represents strength and Truth.
Similarly, Paul, in his letter to the Philippians states that our perspective should be one that focuses on whatever is true, honourable, right, pure, lovely, of good repute, excellent, and praiseworthy. Dwelling on such things awakens us to God in the peace He brings that empowers us to be content in all circumstances.
Both leaders encourage us towards the perspective that shines a light on the truth that brings hope and sees through the volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity that can drown us.
I wonder if I asked you what perspective you are modelling/teaching to your children what your response would be?
I wonder what your child’s teacher would say if you asked them the same question?
I wonder, if I asked this question in a time of difficulty, struggle or hopelessness if your response would be the same…
At RCC it is our passion to bring to our students a perspective on life that brings lasting joy and hope that inspires direction and resilience no matter what circumstances we face. When we achieve this, we achieve successful education.
Blessings,
Jonno
