In the midst of all uncertainty in Western NSW at the moment, it was great timing to have a dress up day at PCS last Friday. Our SRC does a great job at planning a range of fun events at school and last Friday’s dress up was no exception. However those who know me well would know that dress ups aren’t my thing! I’m not sure why, but the thought of going to a fancy dress party or even coming to school in some weird and wonderful costume often leaves me with knots in my stomach! Despite this, like all the staff at PCS, I don’t miss the opportunity to get in and have some fun with the students. Chances are by the time I get to school in the outfit of choice, my stomach is feeling fine and I quite enjoy getting in and being a bit silly.
Last Friday, Mr Westcott got the day off and Australia’s fastest man, Rohan Browning was Principal of PCS for the day! For those who didn’t watch the Olympics, Rohan Browning represented Australia in the 100m and managed to win his heat and make the semi-finals. So dressed in all his Olympic splendour, including a flowing mullet, Rohan spent the day challenging students to races, talking about his Olympic experience and inspiring all to grow a healthy head of hair like his. All in all it was a great day for Rohan and for me. There’s nothing like taking on the character of someone else for a day for fun, however what’s more important is being comfortable with who we are.
It can be pretty difficult these days to not play a constant comparison game. Young people especially have a tough time sifting through what is considered attractive, what makes you popular and what you need to make you happy etc; we all do. It certainly raises questions around how and why we so often strive to fit in by conforming to a certain image or different stereotypes. Can I encourage you today to know that you are made by God for a purpose, and you are made as individuals on purpose! The Bible tells us in Psalm 139 that God knew us before we were born, even before the foundation of the Earth had been laid! He made us and made us unique for a reason.
Our memory verse this week is Micah 6:8 – ‘and what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God’. We are very clever at complicating life sometimes and missing some big picture biblical truths. To live a happy and content life is to live for others; to meet needs and help those who can’t help themselves. There is something beautiful about Micah 6:8 in its simplicity. God has equipped each of us with everything we need to live a God honoring and meaningful life. For our young people here at PCS, we dearly want them to know that they don’t have to strive to be like someone else to find happiness. Being comfortable with how God made them, using what God has given them, and living for others may just be the key to unlocking all that lies within them.
So the next time you catch yourself wishing you had Rohan Browning’s speed and/or flowing mullet, remember that God made you the way you are for a purpose. You too are equipped with God given gifts and talents that need to be developed and used for the benefit of others, and in doing so for the glory of God. We may not always be the fastest or ‘best’, but through generosity, kindness, humility and compassion, we can be the best version of ourselves!
You are sensational PCS. Have a great week!
Glen