For the last two weeks in Chapel we have been exploring how kids view themselves, how they build confidence and how they are affected by others.
I have been lucky enough to work with two fantastic groups of students from Year 7 to 10 as we have explored these topics and been so impressed with their maturity and perspectives.
They were happy to open up about their insecurities and share with each other in a way that most people assume teenagers would not be happy to do.
They talked about how they’re learning that everyone has their own strengths and weaknesses, and how they’re developing respect and understanding for people who are different to them.
I have talked to kids for years about the fact that most teenagers are so worried about whether everyone else is looking at them and judging them, that they don’t have time to look at or judge other people.
It warmed my heart to hear these kids talking about exactly this idea without me having to bring it up.
It was even better to hear kids saying that thanks to the unconditional love they feel from having a personal relationship with Jesus that they feel comfortable to be themselves without fearing being judged.
But beyond all of this, I just enjoyed chatting to the kids about life. It was so great to hear their stories, their wacky points of view, their dreams and aspirations, and their perspectives on the Bible.
They have that wonderful enthusiasm for life that comes from knowing they have endless opportunities in front of them.
I reminded them that they have so much time in front of them to be adults that they need to enjoy being kids while they can – and they all thoroughly agreed.
We have wonderful kids at this school, and it’s great to know that exactly what they want to be – kids, and children of God.
Greg