What’s down in the well comes up in the bucket
This term in the Junior School Chapel Services, we’ve been exploring what it means to forgive others and ourselves, and how the things we carry inside our hearts often flow out into our words and actions.
To help us think about this, we began with the image of a well. I even managed to find a miniature well on Facebook Marketplace to use as a physical prop! Just as a well can only bring up what’s inside it, our words and actions reveal what’s stored in our hearts. When we’re hurt, angry or jealous, sometimes unkind words spill out. But when our hearts are filled with kindness, love, peace and joy, that’s what others experience from us.
We considered the wisdom from the book of Proverbs in the Old Testament of the Christian Bible. ‘Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it,’ (Proverbs 4:23) and words from Jesus in Matthew 12:34, ‘The mouth speaks what the heart is full of.’
Students gave many well thought out and considered ideas on what they could do to protect their hearts, including calming strategies, enjoyable activities such as listening to music, playing with friends, going outside, keeping a positive mindset, reducing screen time and getting enough rest. We even gave singing and dancing a go to boost our oxytocin levels and help us feel more calm, happy and empathetic. We talked through the fact that none of us is perfect and that mistakes and difficult things happen in life. However, when we have worked hard to protect our hearts, we will have the bravery and right attitude to try again and maintain a positive outlook.
Rebecca Gaskell
Junior School Chaplain
