Find the words

Last Christmas morning I watched on TV the Royal Christmas Carol Service held in 2022.  It was hosted by Her Royal Highness Catherine Middleton, Princess of Wales in Westminster Abbey.  I was impressed by the message given by the Dean of Westminster, The Very Reverend Dr David Hoyle MBE.  The challenge he gave to the congregation and the world was to “Find the Words” for us to say when we are faced with the need to offer compassion or encouragement to someone in need.  

Penetrating Sadness

It was an article about Jervis Bay that captured my attention a week ago. The story was about two twin aboriginal girls from the Wreck Bay aboriginal community. When you think about Jarvis Bay what comes to mind? Pristine calm blue water, sandy beaches, mangrove trees, woodlands, sea grass and marine life? I imagined seeing the girls as young children splashing along the shoreline, hearing their laughter as they picked up shells, listened to stories around the campfire or explored the bush that surrounded their home. 

The divine scheme of things

“How about we make a paper doll,” I said to my grandchildren. “What are paper dolls?” my granddaughter asked and soon, at my instruction, the children were enthusiastically drawing, cutting, gluing and colouring. I demonstrated a few techniques but quickly the children began to develop their own solutions and creative responses to their art. The paper doll needed a friend, then they needed a theatre,  a narrative, and an audience.  We explored and shared and it brought us closer together as we problem solved. Isn’t it interesting - given the right conditions - how learning becomes thoughtful, compassionate and interdependent;  how with positive intent our very interactions can model empathy and deep listening skills and allow children to flourish. As Kass Unger explains in Reflections on Children’s camp, in the guided, thoughtful processing of story, the children were learning to develop faith, meaning, worth and so much more.  

Learning From Past Experiences

This week we have just observed Anzac Day.  It is a National Day of Remembrance in Australia and New Zealand commemorating all Australians and New Zealanders who served and died in all wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations.  And on this day, we have had the opportunity to express our thanks for the contribution and suffering of all those who have served their countries.