I always have mixed feelings at the start of a new year. There is anticipation and excitement, as we wait to see how things will unfold.
There are the reflections on last year, on its successes and failures and joys and struggles. There is the anxiety around what is to come: how will we do this? Will our plans work? Will we succeed? Will we be able to move forward?
I always have mixed feelings at the start of a new year. There is anticipation and excitement, as we wait to see how things will unfold.
There are the reflections on last year, on its successes and failures and joys and struggles. There is the anxiety around what is to come: how will we do this? Will our plans work? Will we succeed? Will we be able to move forward?
The newspapers have been full of the matric results, and ideas on how these could be improved in the new year. We congratulate all who passed, and who achieved good marks. At the same time, for those who did not do as well as they had hoped: it is not the end of the world.
Grahamstown is fortunate in having organisations like the GADRA matric school and people who are willing to help. This week also saw the opening of a brand-new school at uMariya uMama weThemba monastery, the initiative of the monks there.
As parents, teachers, and education officials, we want to do all that we can to support and encourage learners to do their best and to realise their potential. We also recognise the struggles for resources that many schools face, and the need to encourage a culture of learning.
Will we make it? Will we see an improvement? The new year always brings opportunities, potential, and at times overwhelming challenges. But more than that: we have the strength and love of God to sustain us.
As the psalmist says, "Your unfailing kindness, O Lord, extends to the heavens, your faithfulness to the clouds. Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains, and your justice as the great deep; you save humans and animals alike, O Lord.
How precious is your steadfast love, O God! All people may take refuge in the shadow of your wings….For with you is the fountain of life; in your light we see light." (Psalm 36:5-9)
The new year offers us the biggest opportunity of all: to trust wholeheartedly in God, for His sustaining strength and guidance, and as we ask God’s blessing on the year ahead.
Andrew Hunter
Dean of Grahamstown
