The gift of time

By Reverend Andy Fleming, Associate Chaplain

Already this term, our school has enjoyed the Senior School Drama performance of Hedda Gabler and the Blessing of the Fleet at the rowing shed. Year 3 students have enjoyed their camps and Year 9 headed off to camp yesterday. While Year 12 International Baccalaureate students have begun their exams, the rest of Year 12 is preparing for their final exams. Of course, we will see each other as our community comes together for the Radford Twilight Fete tomorrow – all this before our ‘normal’ weekly school activities are even considered. Term 4 always has that different edge to it. For many of us, it is a time of year that feels busier than any other as we seemingly hurtle towards the end-of-year events.

I have often heard colleagues describe Term 4 as a particularly busy time. The accumulation of commitments on top of our everyday routines can feel overwhelming at times, leaving us tired and questioning the purpose behind it all. Yet, it is also a season full of meaningful activities and moments that remind us why we do what we do – celebrating achievements, connecting with students and seeing the progress of our community.”

The writer of the Old Testament book Ecclesiastes must have asked similar questions. The Hebrew word hevel can be translated in a number of ways – absurdity, meaninglessness, fleeting or short-lived. Hevel is used 25 times in Ecclesiastes as a way to explain how the chaos we experience is typically a fleeting moment. However, instead of being sceptical or dismissive of God’s wisdom, the writer shows us that God orders the chaos. God has gifted us time and made everything suitable for its time. Have you ever noticed how things seem to happen at just the right time and it all makes sense?

As we fill our time with commitments to our families, our work and the ways we rest and recharge, Ecclesiastes tells us to do so with enjoyment and delight in the created things – but with humility. When we become anxious about the many things on our plate or worry about finding time to complete our work, we risk losing sight of what’s truly important. Approaching our time with humility helps us to see the opportunities before us: celebrating our children’s achievements and growth, appreciating the flourishing of nature as we head towards Christmas and enjoying time spent with family and friends.

So, I encourage you to embrace and look forward to the time you have this term – and the richness of the busyness that comes with it.

May you find peace in God’s timing.