Chaplain's Message

Dear Parents, Families and Friends,

I found this story on an internet site and found it helpful. 

The Pursuit of Happiness 

There was once a group of 100 people attending a seminar on personal development.

In the middle of their talk, the speaker stops and decides to run an impromptu group activity. He hands out a balloon to each attendee and tells them to write their name on it.

The balloons are then collected and placed in an adjacent room.

The speaker then instructs the 100 attendees to enter that room and, within 5 short minutes, find the balloon with their name on it.

Pandemonium breaks loose as they charge in, pushing and colliding with each other as they desperately search for their name.

The 5 minutes pass and nobody succeeds.

The speaker then tells each person to pick up any random balloon and give it the person whose name is written on it. Within a few minutes everyone has their balloon back.

He then said, “What just happened with those balloons is exactly what happens in our search for happiness. We frantically look for it all around us, not knowing where it is.”

“Yet our happiness lies in the happiness of others. By giving them their happiness, you get yours.”

Moral of the story

Happiness and fulfilment rarely come from selfish pursuits, but almost 

always come from doing good deeds for others. By helping others we help ourselves. 

I feel excited by our new year and have enjoyed witnessing the St Philip's Community spirit in action. Our little town is reeling a bit from news reports, negative personal experiences in the streets, fear of "what if", anger at "what is". However, there is a wonderful Alice spirit still at large out there, promoted by those of all races and nationalities that see this place as "home". It would not exist without the dedicated team of individuals who are committed to the wellbeing and happiness of those immediately around them. It can be a tough calling, it can be sad, tedious, frustrating but we are reminded that in serving others, there is great joy and huge fulfillment. Everyday you make a difference, you make the world a better place - it may just be a little thing but in the words of Mother Theresa,

"It may only be a drop in the ocean but without that drop, the ocean would not be complete."

May we continue to work together, believing that God has his hand on our beautiful Red Centre. 

"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." Isiaih 41

God bless! 

~ Pastor Sarah Pollitt

College Chaplain