Chaplain's Spot

“Look up and live!”

When I was growing up [it seems a long time ago now], there were some basic tips to help us make good choices. The biggest one was probably what we called ‘The Golden Rule’. 

’Treat others as you would like to be treated’.

Another one was the advice in the image above. To help us stay safe on the roads, we were advised to look left [where the closest cars were coming from], look right, and then look left again, and cross when the road was clear. It was a basic, simple rule of life, like ‘never run across a road without looking’. How many times have we seen kids chasing a ball onto the road? How many times have we heard about people crossing the road without looking, perhaps because they were focused on their phone, or listening to music, and therefore not aware of their surroundings? I’d rather be alert and alive. 

As a mature adult, I have learned many things over the years. It surprises me how often new generations seem to think that they can ignore basic clues/rules. What is true, is that these basic tips for life are even more important these days. Everywhere is busier … the roads have so much traffic. Everyone seems to be in such a hurry. We need to be aware.

My longer title for this article is “Look up – stay safe, stay healthy”. There are several aspects of the importance of this message. Here are ones that I have considered:

Health:

I am amazed at the number of young people [mostly, but not always] who have what I call ‘Bent Neck Syndrome’. Their heads seem to be permanently bent down, to scrawl through their devices, to check out what everyone else says is important. Bent necks, curved backs, eyes focused on screens. I wonder how many of these people do exercise to give their bodies a chance to stay healthy. 

Face-to-face:

This follows on from my last article to some extent. The people who are with us deserve our attention, more than those who are not. This especially true at home of course, but also for friends. Do we really need to trawl through Facebook while walking or ‘playing’ with the kids? Is the rest of the world more important? Are we really aware of others in our family? Do we invest time in them to reassure them they are special to us?

Opposite FOMO:

We hear of young people who always respond to their social media. They have a ‘Fear Of Missing Out’. What they are actually missing out on is what’s happening around them. How many people notice beautiful images around them, such as the smile of a baby, or a gorgeous sunset, or just enjoy seeing people walking by, with their different style of walk, or hair style, or colourful clothing. How many really see people and share a smile with them as they walk by? 

Children can remind us about the important basics of life, like having fun with friends, enjoying exercise, or being amazed at simple pleasures. Are we living vicariously [through others], being influenced by their priorities, or are we choosing the experiences that will fulfil our lives, and those around us?

Action Plan:

I’m not saying that we should throw out our devices. [I’m just as keen on Google searches as anyone]. I’m suggesting a change in perspective, to ensure that we don’t miss out the opportunities that life has for us, and don’t get sucked in to what everyone else says is important. 

So, again, “Look up – stay safe, stay healthy”, “Look up and live!” You never know how much your life may be transformed, as you see the opportunities that open up. 

To finish: This is a story I read this week. It is very appropriate to this theme. 

“A school bus driver passed out at the wheel, and his large vehicle loaded with sixty students was careening out of control. Seventh grader Dillon Reeves burst from his seat, rushed to the front of the bus, and slowly stepped on the brake in the nick of time. While most students were busy texting or playing games on their phones, Dillon—who didn’t have a phone—had his head up and reacted. He knew to depress the brake slowly as he’d seen the driver do many times. Remaining alert and not distracted helped him save the lives of all aboard, including the driver who later revived.”

 [apparently a quote from Woody Allen]

Community wellbeing:  Our Toast Tuesday program runs before school in the Sports and Performance Centre, and is open to all students. We would love to welcome any parents or grandparents who would be happy to join our team of helpers. The link to sign up for Term 2 is volunteersignup.org/LL3RB.You only need a current WWC card, and a willingness to support others in a fun program. 

We are thankful to Woolies Eastland and Bakers Delight Heathmont for their support of Toast Tuesday.

Uniforms: We also have available second-hand uniforms in good condition for sale, for gold coin donations. These sales also provide necessary supplies for Toast Tuesday.

Contact: Feel free to contact me at any time. 

Alan Silverwood: Chaplain - Pastoral care for our community. [Tuesday & Friday]

[alan.silverwood@education.vic.gov.au]

Supporting the School community in emotional, social, spiritual and practical wellbeing. 

Our Chaplaincy program is funded by the Federal Government’s ‘National Student Wellbeing Program’, the GRPS School Council and donations.