A Word of Encouragement

Last weekend Rafael Nadal won an unbelievable 13th French Open title, whilst teenager Iga Swiatek took home her first (and in doing so became the youngest French Open champion in more than 20 years). For those tennis fans like myself, it was a great weekend to witness - seeing the mastery of one of the greatest players of all time and the rise of a super-talented up-and-coming player. Their ability and humility was inspiring.  And without question, this success has come to them after many hours of hard work, dogged determination, the overcoming of significant challenges and a healthy dose of self-belief.

However, even in this individual sport, what was equally clear in both of their celebrations is that this success was not their achievement alone. Surrounding these champions have been a small army of supporters – coaches, trainers, physios, practice partners, doctors, sponsors, and not least of all, family and friends – who have encouraged, taught, enabled, prepared, journeyed with and strengthened the players to go out and be ready to do their best. Without this network of supporters, they never would have achieved such success.

If this strange year has taught us anything, surely it is the importance of one another. We are better together for that is how we have been designed! As the wisdom of Proverbs 27:17 teaches, ‘As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.’ We are made for relationship: relationship with God and relationship with one another. Ultimately, we don’t thrive and flourish in life if we try to do it alone. We all need God and others to challenge us, stretch us, encourage us, help us, befriend us and journey with us. I want to encourage you today to lean into that truth. Take time to reconnect with and enjoy one another now you’re finally back to face-to-face learning. Be kind to one another, looking out for those of your classmates who are finding another change in a challenging year to be tough. And be ready to ask for help when you need it, leaning into the truth that our greatest achievements will come only with a small army of supporters journeying with us. 

May God bless and keep you this term. May he make his face to shine upon you and give you his peace.

Rev Karen Reid

Girton Chaplain