Learning for Life… this is something we are very excited about as staff here at school as we officially launch this new learning framework this year. We look forward to sharing with you a bit more about it at the Parent Engagement Evening next week.
At the heart of Learning for Life and at the heart of the tree is the Renewal domain. In its simplest form, renewal is about change. It’s about changing into something new and different, something better.
Last week at our secondary assembly, we explored the story in the Bible of the prodigal son (Luke 15) as a picture of renewal. In the story, a young man demands his inheritance from his father and squanders it on reckless living. Eventually, he finds himself in dire circumstances and decides to return home, repentant and seeking forgiveness. His father, filled with compassion, welcomes him back with open arms, even throwing a lavish celebration to mark his return.
This is a picture of renewal and transformation.
- Repentance: The prodigal son realises the error of his ways and makes the decision to turn back to his father. This act of repentance is essential for renewal, as it involves acknowledging wrongdoing and seeking forgiveness.
- Forgiveness: Despite the son's betrayal and irresponsible behaviour, the father forgives him unconditionally. God too, is a God of abundant grace and mercy, who offers forgiveness to all who repent and turn to Him.
- Restoration: The father not only forgives his son but also restores him to his former status as a beloved member of the family. Here we see the transformative power of renewal, as the son is welcomed back into the fold with love and acceptance.
Renewal is wonderful. It is transformative. It is God at work in the lives of believers.
Our Learning for Life framework, through the domain of renewal helps us to consider the different aspects of a Christian life; that is one which is being renewed.
You may see what lies at the top of the list under renewal though. The thing that comes before virtues, before action, before works… is hope in Christ.
At the heart of the Christian faith is HOPE. A real and living hope. A hope that never perishes, spoils or fades. A hope that will never disappear. A hope that stands the test of time. A hope that lives and rules yesterday, today and forever more. A hope in Jesus.
In 1 Peter 1:3-5 we read:
"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time."
Praise God that in Jesus, for those that trust in him, have a new birth and a living hope with an imperishable inheritance kept in store that is eternal and secure.
You may notice that the renewal domain is shaped like a heart. Renewal is at the heart of the Christian faith, it is at the heart of Learning for Life and it is a heart decision for each and every one of us. Who do you place your hope in? It is my prayer and the prayer of all staff, that all members of our school community will be able to one day confidently say, my hope is in Christ alone.
Mr Peter Richardson
Head of Secondary School
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