Chaplain's Message

“I am a little pencil in God's hands. He does the thinking. He does the writing. He does everything and sometimes it is really hard because it is a broken pencil and He has to sharpen it a little more.” Mother Theresa

I have had the enormous privilege on a few occasions to visit the Sisters of Charity in Kolkata with groups of young people from around Australia, including St Philip’s. We were part of the Pilgrimage of HOPE under the auspices of The Armidale School, a fellow Round Square member school. It was my dream; Mother Theresa is my hero!

When someone with such “rungs on the board” imparts words of wisdom, it is worth sitting up to take notice – Mother Theresa’s words have integrity and offer layers of wisdom which come from experience and a humility born out of her very close relationship with the God whom she served! Hers is an extraordinary story: one where she had times of feeling extremely alone. But her faithful, loving commitment transcended doubts to serve those she loved in the name of Jesus!

“I am a little pencil in God’s hands…….” has again touched me deeply this new year! With this beautiful image, she explains so simply her complete dependence on God, her failings as a “broken pencil” and the need for sharpening – the bit that really hurts in life, regardless of where we sit in the pecking order!

Are we willing to be a pencil in God’s hand? Exposing ourselves so wholeheartedly to the tender yet often painful journey he has planned for us? Are we willing to walk the road; acknowledging, actually welcoming his guidance in all areas of our lives, even the sharpening?

I wonder if Mother Theresa is content with the story that Jesus was able to write with her life of service!

What story do we want God to write with our lives this year – may we have the grace and the courage to take a leaf out of Mother Theresa’s book and boldly claim “I am but a little pencil in the hand of God”.

Travel safely, go gently and may God bless you abundantly!

Sarah Pollitt

College Chaplain