TRANSFORMATION 

Transformation is all around us. Think of our beautiful surroundings here at BHCS and the seeds that, over time, have transformed into the majestic trees that provide shade, shelter, oxygen and aesthetic enjoyment.  How grateful we can be, also, to those who planted the seeds of Belgrave Heights Christian School, as this year we celebrate not only the 40th anniversary of BHCS, but all the changes that have taken place in that time, and, over 40 years, BHCS has certainly transformed!  More significantly, over that time countless lives have been transformed.  The importance of this is reflected in our vision statement, ‘Knowing Christ.  Inspiring Learners. Transforming Lives’.  

Transformation is change over time.  At the recent circus-themed Year 7 camp we watched one of my all-time favourite short films, The Butterfly Circus, featuring Nick Vujicic.  As you can imagine, the butterfly motif speaks to the idea of transformation and it was noted that by the time they reach Year 12, the Year 7s won’t be the same as they are now.  For me, this year marks 50 years since I began my journey of transformation as a follower of Christ.  Looking back over those years, I realise how much I’ve changed.   

In his book, ‘A Long Walk To Freedom’, Nelson Mandela makes the interesting observation, ‘There is nothing like returning to a place that remains unchanged to find the ways in which you yourself have altered’.  Whilst it seems not too much has remained unchanged over the last few years, it doesn’t have to mean returning to a physical location.  Sometimes it’s good to revisit ‘past’ ideas to see how our thinking has changed.  What has influenced the change?  Has it been for the better?  

Transformation can be positive or negative.  At the beginning of the book of Psalms, we see a transformation; a regression from walking to standing to sitting, the result of keeping company with the wrong crowd and ways of thinking.  However, when we act justly, love mercy & walk humbly with our God (Micah 6:8), and align ourselves to His thoughts, our wellbeing is transformed to be fruitful and flourishing like the trees spoken about in verse 3.

And the more things change, the more God remains the same!

Psalm 1

¹ Blessed is the one

    who does not walk in step with the wicked

or stand in the way that sinners take

    or sit in the company of mockers,

² but whose delight is in the law of the Lord,

    and who meditates on his law day and night.

³ That person is like a tree planted by streams of water,

    which yields its fruit in season

and whose leaf does not wither—

    whatever they do prospers.

Romans  12:2 

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.