Chaplain's Corner

Hi Everyone!   

MISTAKES/WRONG CHOICES:  We all make them whether they are deliberate actions or accidental ones, whether by ourselves or as a group – maybe through group pressure or trying to fit in. Some mistakes/wrong choices only hurt ourselves while others affect other people.

I will list a few, some of which, I have made as I grew and learned:  swearing, taunting/name calling, lying, stealing, physically hurting others, leaving others out, making fun of others, laughing at others’ mistakes, JUDGING, etc……  The list goes on.

It is when we don’t learn from our MISTAKES/WRONG CHOICES or do not have the support of others to help us, that we may move onto more serious behaviours.

Our children and young people need to be taught that NONE of the above, and more, is OK.  This is an important task for parents and educators, as we endeavour to help our young people become the best that they can be.

NONE OF US ARE PERFECT – SORRY IF THAT SURPRISES YOU!  How have people treated you when you have made a mistake/wrong choice? How have you treated others?  One of my husband, Peter’s tongue-in-cheek sayings is ‘I was born right!’  Yeah, right, I know better!

Learning to walk in another’s shoes to feel what they feel is such an important value to teach our children.  Until they learn this, often they will treat others poorly, especially if they perceive someone to be ‘bad’, to have done something ‘seriously wrong’. 

Casting stones only creates more hurt, while laying those stones down can create a path along which one can find support, love, direction and forgiveness leads to healing and growth. 

Sometimes we may need to be reminded that none of us are PERFECT!

Please share this article with your children as they grow and learn from their own mistakes and poor choices, AND learn to support and not judge and seek to treat others as they would like to be treated.

JUST A THOUGHT: What a lonely world it would be if we couldn’t find /give support, kindness, forgiveness, understanding and love – no friendships, no partners, no families…..

TAKE CARE AND STAY SAFE!

Robyn Mulholland (School Chaplain)  robyn.mulholland@education.vic.gov.au