Principal's Ponderings

Everything Is Different

Change is something we experience constantly, the seasons themselves bring change, and often in our own lives change is needed even when we do not really want it. As parents, we see this as we watch our children grow and develop before our eyes. For the past fifteen and a half years, I have been privileged to witness our own children’s changes, from our firstborn in 2009, to the next two children born in the years following. It feels like just as we get into a comfortable rhythm, something new arises. The new stage for our family now is evening dinners are no longer always eaten together every night, with one child here, another working there, whilst the other is eating ready to do something next. Change is an expected part of raising children (or as we like to say here, raising future adults), yet it can still surprise us.

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: 

The old has gone, the new is here!” 

2 Corinthians 5:17

I love reflecting on one event when one of our children was a little toddler. One evening, when one of our children was unwell as a baby, I held them as they drifted to sleep. They seemed restless, so I placed my hand gently on their cheek, hoping it would bring comfort. Each time I began to lift my hand, thinking they were fast asleep so I could leave their room, their little hand would grasp mine and press it firmly back down. This back-and-forth continued for a while. It was beautiful, almost as if they were saying, "I need you here for just a little longer." Things have changed now, although my children still greatly appreciate knowing we as parents are around and near, they may not want me to stay with them as long as they used to. However, they still want our care, love, help, security and assurance. 

This memory reminds me of how we lean on God, holding His hand tightly in our times of need. Like a child, there are times we need the reassurance that He is close. The Lord promises to be with us, even when we feel alone or when change unsettles us. Deuteronomy 31:6 reassures us: "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you." Just as my hand brought comfort to my child, our Heavenly Father’s presence brings us peace and courage in every season of life.

This reminds me of the poem titled, 'Footsteps in the sand'. When we think there are only one set of footprints and we wonder if God has left us, we are reminded it's in those times that He is actually carrying us.

As we approach the end of the school year, I know many of you are experiencing your own changes, perhaps a child is graduating from Year 6 (or even Year 12 at another school) or moving on to the next level of their education, change occurs at the end of every year. During this season may I remind you of a quote from Charles Spurgeon: 

"God is too good to be unkind, and He is too wise to be mistaken. 

And when we cannot trace His hand, we must trust His heart."

We know God is with our children as they step into the next season, shaping their character and guiding them with love. Even when life changes are difficult to understand, we can trust God's loving hand guiding us every step of the way.

As we prepare for the coming year, let us rest in the knowledge that our Lord’s hand is upon us and our children. Let us be confident that He is with us, even in the midst of change. May the peace of God be with each of you, granting comfort and joy as we move forward, trusting in His unchanging love.

Shalom, shalom.

Chad Smit | Principal