It is wonderful to be back.
Getting off the plane in Ballina, Peter Allen’s words involuntarily complemented the moment: “But no matter how far or how wide I roam; I still call Australia home.”
Spending time away from home meant I was constantly evaluating how the new experiences fit in with who I was and what I believed. The familiar setting of home seemed to remove this tension automatically and brought a sense of peace and affirmation.
This sense of belonging and connection plays such an important part in forming our sense of identity, purpose, hope and contentment. Our home, in every sense of the word, critically informs our growth as it becomes the lens through which we see ourselves and interpret the rest of our world; and acts as a rudder for guiding what we do and who we are.
It is therefore so important that we carefully continue to provide a place for our students to belong and grow.
Easy right? Easy when as we come to the end of the year and there are assessments, assignments and just general grumpiness that follows from our students? Easy when giving late-night assignment help, completing unceasing washing, being mum’s taxi, or hearing “what’s for dinner” on repeat? The list is endless, and the thanks a long way off in the distance.
I would like to thank you and encourage you. To our parents, grandparents and carers, thank you for what you do for your kids. Thank you for the unconditional love you show them and the homes you create.
Thank you for reflecting God’s love for us and the place he creates for us. I believe we are made in God’s image and our unconditional love for our kids is a very small, but very significant reflection of God’s love for us:
Psalm 36:5-7
Your love, Lord, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies. Your righteousness is like the highest mountains, your justice like the great deep. You, Lord, preserve both people and animals. How priceless is your unfailing love, O God! People take refuge in the shadow of your wings.
Good tidings!
Jonno