“Come to me, all who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

Matthew 11:28 - 30

In our staff devotions this week, we were recently challenged to think about the role the donkey plays in the Christian faith. Quickly it is revealed that the donkey is a sustained image of faithful humility and quiet strength that stays the course and provides for the people; concepts that both literally and figuratively the kingdom of God is ushered in on.

This image is very much akin to the stories we grew up with in Australia’s own history of Simpson and his donkey. There is a practice in certain mountainous areas across Europe, however, where humble donkeys are used to carry little lambs up to safe, high pastures. These donkeys are strong and steady—not flashy, they don't draw attention to themselves, but they are utterly reliable. They patiently endure the steep, difficult path so the vulnerable lamb can reach the higher ground safely and then enjoy the full provisions of their pastures rather than be ravaged by the changed climate.

As we were encouraged, I want to encourage our community to perhaps consider the hero that is the donkey a little more as I believe this image beautifully captures our shared role as parents and educators and some of the heart of our faith.

Now, don't worry, I’m certainly not calling us stubborn old donkeys, but I do think our parents and our wonderful staff are very much like those steadfast animals for our kids! It is so important that we play this role of being the strong, reliable foundation for our kids. We bear the weight of their training and growth and navigate the complex terrain of their school years to get them to the places they will be nourished and provided for. We don’t do it for the applause either but out of honest service or deep, abiding love. We do it with a quiet determined strength that I believe is a gift from God, who equips us fully for every task we face.

The desire for us at RCC is to ensure we continue to work together to carry each and every lamb to where they need to be to get the most out of the season they are in. From the lambs who might bleat beautifully to the ones who just bleat loudly; from the ones who run fast to the ones who may not be as visible; from the ones who ace the test to the ones who could be silently battling test anxiety, feeling overlooked, or carrying a worry they haven’t yet shared. Every lamb deserves a donkey, and it is our privilege to be just that.

Here’s the best part, though, no donkey walks alone. Ever. We are blessed to be a part of a community that shares the load. When your path feels steep or the load too heavy, when we are weary and heavy laden, remember that our God and our community is right there, ready to share the load and steady the rope.

May God continue to grant us wisdom and endurance as we guide our beautiful lambs toward all He has planned for them.

Good tidings…

Jonno

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