Hello everyone, and welcome back to the school routine! I hope you all had a wonderfully restful holiday break.
As I was watching out student participate in cross country today I thought it pertinent to perhaps share a few thoughts with you I have been sharing with staff based on the person, prophet and book of Isaiah. Hopefully it encourages you as it does us on our journey ahead.
Life, especially the busy rhythm of a school term, can sometimes feel like a dense forest or a complex tapestry. We easily get caught up in the day-to-day threads—the assignments, the sports practices, or even just managing difficult people and situations. But embedded in all that tapestry is our journey of faith; and, for me, once I have seen the impact Jesus has had in my life and those around me, I simply can’t unsee Him and his importance and impact.
As we face the tasks and trials of this term, I want to encourage us to consider what the old-school theologian and expert on Isaiah, Walter Brueggemann, termed a “creative release of imagination.” He argues that our ability to have profound hope for the future because we understand God’s faithful story of rescue and redemption in the past is pivotal to navigating our world. When we remember that history has profound meaning because God is taking it somewhere, it provides us with a strategy for longevity to help us endure the long run.
It reminds us that when God’s good promises seem to take a long time to unfold, it doesn’t mean God has forgotten us; we are simply living out our part, our purpose, in His grand story.
Living this out though, releasing this faithful, creative imagination requires a firm decision on our part. We are challenged daily to do what is right, guided by faith into the good things God intends to do for us. Just like the prophet Isaiah, who showed incredible courage and endurance to declare the truth in times of turmoil and trouble, we too need to have belief in God’s calling and find courage in who He has uniquely made us to be.
Let’s step into this term embracing the faithful contrast of deep humility and bold courage. May we tackle our learning, teaching, and parenting in a way that continues to inspire hope in the people around us, that God has before and he will again.
Blessings on the term ahead, and may our school community continue to be deeply grounded in faith and guided by His purpose.
Good Tidings,
Jonno
