Have you ever had one of those moments where you were doing something with your kids that requires them to take some form of risk? Initially they may be a little apprehensive, but in the end, they do it because of your encouragement and they know deep down they can trust you.
When on a family holiday many years ago, we visited a place at the beach which was known for this fabulous rock pool. Above the rock pool was an outcrop that provided the ideal natural diving board. As we arrived at this place, we watched some other kids jump off the outcrop and make a huge splash in the rock pool below. My kids and I were struck by their bravery, and I looked at my kids and said, “come on, let’s give this a go!”
Now this was one of those moments where I spoke first and thought later! I’m not overly keen on heights and when I climbed up the rocky outcrop, I realised how high above the rock pool I was. I kept thinking, “why on earth did I think this was a good idea?!” But I had encouraged my kids to give it a go, so I needed to lead by example.
Doing my best impersonation of a crab as I climbed over the rocks, I eventually reached the outcrop and got myself ready to launch into the pool below. After a few deep breaths (and a quick prayer or two) I jumped and landed with a big splash in the middle of the rock pool.
Now it was my eldest boy’s turn. I have to say he impersonated me perfectly as he too crawled crab-like over the rock to reach the outcrop! When he reached the platform, he was not too sure about jumping off into the rock pool below. After a few reassurances from me that all would be okay, I was there, ready to help him and I’m his dad (code for 'I wouldn’t let anything bad happen to you'), he looked at me with that look that said, ‘everything in my body is telling me not to jump but I know you love me, and I can trust you Dad’. The he launched himself off the platform into the rock pool and then into my arms!
He jumped because he knew he could trust me. He knew that I loved him and that all would be okay.
That sense of knowing that you are deeply loved by someone who is trustworthy was the thought that came to my mind as I read the following passage from the Bible:
“Because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ.
And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with Him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus.”
(Ephesians 2:8-9)
As I reflected on this passage, I recalled a conversation with a long-time friend about the idea that the more deeply we are loved, the more secure we feel and the more we are valued, the more self-worth we experience. My friend went on to say, ‘think about what happens when you feel deeply loved by another human being. Isn’t it true that when you experience this, something powerful moves within you?’ When we know that we are seen as valuable in the eyes of another, we can experience that sense of worth, value and security.
The love from another human being, and their appreciation, makes such a difference to the functioning of our souls. This is the way God has designed us – the way He meant it to be! How much more then, when our hearts and souls are opened to our Creator, God Almighty, and we allow Him to pour into us His love and affection?
My friend described the difference between the way in which human love and divine love affect our souls. He described it that when we are loved and valued by a fellow human being, it is like a cup of water being given to our parched souls. When we experience God’s love, it is not just a cup full of water, not even a jugful, but like a mighty torrent that flows continually that fills and floods our hearts and souls!
This is something that we, as a college, desire for each of our students and their families. They will come to know and experience God’s love flooding and filling their hearts and souls, and therefore, know that they are deeply valued. Our prayer is that it will then bring a quiet confidence that allows them to flourish as God’s children.
May the fact you are loved with a divine love bring you not only joy, peace and a sense of belonging, but also enable you to flourish today.
Blessings,
Ross Grace Executive Principal