Back to School

Good Morning
One of the joys of being a country vicar is going into our tiny local primary schools to be involved in collective acts of worship, or school assemblies as they used to be called in my day. This is a recent addition to the things I do regularly, as my wonderful colleague Sarah used to do all our schools work until she retired last year.

Without an educational background myself, suffice to say it’s been a steep learning curve going back to school.

Fortunately, our new Schoolwork Lead is a former Headteacher who took early retirement when she moved from London to West Dorset.

I often thank God for her and marvel at her mastery with the children. I have learnt so much from just watching her. Like the way she bends down to make eye contact with the children, how she inhabits a confident presence that calms the class and the way she regains control with a phrase that initially surprised me, ‘Let’s see your listening eyes’.

But what’s delighted me the most are the questions the children ask about the Christian faith. So many deep questions about God and the nature of the universe. Questions like ‘Who is God's Father?’ ‘What do you think about the Big Bang?’ ‘How do you know Jesus really is alive?’ and ‘Aren’t angels just dead people?’ Important questions, which I try to answer appropriately and as best I can, recognising that often my answers fall short.

My experience of going back to school has left me full of admiration for all those who teach. So today I thank God for all teachers, may you be truly blessed in your work. Amen.