St Thomas the Apostle Catholic Primary School Cranbourne East eNewsletter

Principal's Message

Lent is an invitation to renew life

On my drive to and from work each day I see a young eucalypt (gum) tree that underwent a huge trauma in the Spring storms last year. The tree snapped mid way up the trunk and bent at a right angle. It made me sad to see the tree so damaged as it had been a healthy young gum. I expected to watch it wither and die over the following weeks.

Instead the tree leaves remained green and the tree continued life with a completely bent trunk. Over the summer a small green fuzz appeared on the top of the now horizontal trunk. It was new shoots growing upward toward the sun. Now at the end of summer the tree has grown a new canopy!

This little tree is now lively and growing but still damaged and not looking like nearby trees.

Lent is a time of reflection, prayer and renewal. It is a time to think about our lives and what is not working, what is making us sad, mad or even bad.

I like to use my driving time to wonder about how my behaviour, language and actions are affecting others. What relationships have been weakened by my choices? What interactions are weighing on me? Where do I need to be more empathetic? Where do I need to forgive (and let go rather than hold on to the anger/frustration)?

As I drive past the tree I reflect about my life; where I am growing to the light? Where am I moving from the brokenness in my life and finding ways to heal with the help of the Spirit, my family, friends, collegues and community.

A wonderful song to listen to is Mended by Matt Maher:

When you see broken beyond repair
I see healing beyond belief
When you see too far gone
I see one step away from home

I wish you a reflective Lenten season; taking time to identify what is impacting you, what has become broken and needs healing and to find that light in your life to continue to grow and flourish.