Inspire

One Body, Many Parts

Returning from 12 months of maternity leave at the beginning of this year has been both challenging and rewarding. In many ways it was like I never left; friendships with staff and students picked up where they left off and the classic teacher’s love of coffee kicked in again too. Then there were also some things that I found difficult; navigating the mum-guilt and attempts at a work-life balance now with a child of my own and just finding enough time in a week to achieve what I needed to do.

Across all of this though, I have been reminded of the blessing that it is to be surrounded by a supportive Christian community, both personally in my circle of family and friends and here at St Paul. 

1 Corinthians 12 says, “12 There is one body, but it has many parts. But all its many parts make up one body. It is the same with Christ. 18 God has placed each part in the body just as he wanted it to be. 19 If all the parts were the same, how could there be a body? 20 As it is, there are many parts. But there is only one body. 27 You are the body of Christ. Each one of you is a part of it.”

Resting in this brings me great comfort and allows me to exhale a little deeper. It reminds me that we don’t need to do it all ourselves because we are a team, one body in Christ. Sharing the Performing Arts role with Mr Huxtable is one particular example of how beneficial it is to divide your load, lean on each person’s strengths and to share in the joys of our work. 

I pray that you know your importance in our St Paul community. Every blessing to you, as we continue to fulfil our roles in Christ’s one body joyfully, and go about our beautifully complex lives. 

Submitted by Marlise Janetzki