Not from the mountains…
During the COVID era we used to say that we live in uncertain times.
Although a lot of what we went through then seems like distant memories, I am unsure whether our world is any more stable or predictable these days. During my lunch duty today, I got asked the following question: “Mr Huber, what’s your opinion on World War III?”
Clearly students, just like adults, are wondering about the potential development and outcome of current events. Some conflicts have been going on for way too long. But because they are far away and don’t affect us, we tend to get used to them. However, when one of the largest world powers gets involved, our ears prick up…
News like that can rattle us and make us reflect on where we turn for safety and where we place our hope. Every morning when I open the blinds, I look at Mount Wellington, and it often reminds me of the opening verses of Psalm 121: “I lift my eyes to the mountains – where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.” (Ps 121: 1-2)
“Mr Huber, what’s your opinion on World War III?”
Isn’t it incredibly reassuring to be able to trust in a God who was there when the earth was formed and who “with the breadth of his hand marked off the heavens” (Is 40:12)? –He is a steadfast foundation on which we can build our lives, an unchanging constant in an ever-changing world.
As the conversation on the oval continued, the same student made a profound observation: “Why can politicians not solve their disagreements like adults?”
Calvin students up to Year 8 are currently working through a program called PeaceWise. It is our prayer and hope that this will equip them to navigate conflict and differences in constructive and kind ways. None of us may be able to influence current world events, however, each of us can make our own world a better and more peaceful place through the way we interact with the people around us.
And, if you’re still reading, I have one more nugget of hopefully good news for you. This one comes from a conversation with a different student today: “Surely no one is going to attack Tassie; we’re just a blip on the planet…”
Martin Huber - Acting Head of Students
