A New Day

“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Ephesians 2:10

A new year throws up audacious aspirations - to get fitter, study more diligently, or form better habits. But, thanks be to Jesus, as Paul puts it, we’re offered something far more practical and much more immediate. A completely new day. And then another one. And then another one. 

Grace is a gift that can be opened continuously and one of the most glorious aspects of love is that it doesn’t only forgive what has been done, it heals the slow‑gathering weight of believing you’re not a very good person. It restores what guilt erodes. It is one of the reasons why the Gospel is Good news and God’s grace doesn’t thin out through overuse.

We don’t always leap effervescently into new things. New starts can be met bleary-eyed after little sleep or with worry and anxiety as we try to anticipate or catastrophise. I am aware that for many of our students the opportunity and excitement of a new year is married with the all the possible concerns around friends and fitting in and not feeling silly. And we all carry into the year things that have happened over the break – and for some it has been a tough time. For students new to the College there is also the challenges of navigating a new culture.

But it is, once again, a new day. A chance with all our swirling emotions, worries, fears and hopes to endeavour to serve God – no matter our age. 

And we know the end of the Story and it ends well.

The staff are genuinely excited to see the students and launch into learning. We have our own bundle of nerves that accompanies a desire to do things well and ensure every student flourishes in our care. So, welcome to all and we hope the first day goes well and that the students have a sense of ‘God-with them’.

And that the following day is at least as good.