Freedom

By Krista La Greca (Administration)

Goodness gracious me, What a big week it has been! Monday was a day many of us had been anxiously waiting for – where Premier Daniel Andrews released the first stage of the easing of COVID-19 restrictions. Yes! Great! Finally, we can see some friends and family after weeks of isolation. Finally, we can meet in groups outside on a sunny day for a picnic, finally we can kick the footy with a few friends. 

But then there was frustration. Why did we not get an update on schools in that same announcement? Like many of you, I have children at home that are missing face to face teaching and interaction with their peers. Having to be patient and wait again was hard, but thankfully on Tuesday, we received the good news that students can resume face to face learning on a staggered return. I also know each one of us have had our own battles during this time and for some families that are vulnerable, these announcements bring even more stress.

In response to this we really only have 2 choices. We can choose to let the fear and negativity consume us, or we can choose to let go of the things we cannot control, to be patient and to trust God. 

Through this isolation period I have heard countless stories of neighbours meeting for the first time, collecting groceries for each other, anonymous gifts, encouraging letters and artwork displays. Stories of meals being given for free, petrol being paid for, money given with no expectation of return. Though these stories come from far and wide and I am certain that not all participants are Christian – what they are doing is very Christ-like. 

This is what our focus should be on. Now is a time where we are being nudged to let go of all other distractions and prioritise what is most important. Having faith does not mean that we have all the answers, but that we can live in the knowledge that God will never leave us. We are granted the freedom to live free of fear and panic, that his timing and plan will always reign.