Who is your superhero?
In Prep CARE we have been talking about heroes as ordinary people who do extraordinary things. Who is it that you look to and think, ‘I wish I was more like that person’? Or, ‘I wish I had those super powers’? It might be a celebrity with a certain sense of style, it might be an athlete with fantastic sporting ability, it might be a political leader with public speaking prowess. Or maybe it’s someone with the ability to fly, run at the speed of light or be in a room without being seen.
I have a few different people I really admire. During this pandemic, I have become enamoured with Dr Norman Swan. I listen to him on the ABC Podcast Coronacast and I am quite often reassured, entertained and informed by his balanced view and sense of perspective. And a couple of years ago now I heard the co-founder of Thank You Water speak at a function. I am in awe of the way Daniel Flynn can stir the hearts of every member of the room he addresses; his passion, his drive – and all at such a young age. I also cannot believe the way Carrie Bickmore can look so immaculate every time she walks out of the house – she is a parent, a television presenter and raises a lot of money for a very worthwhile cause! And I also wish I had the stamina and endurance to train as hard as a marathon runner.
There are many different characteristics we look for in role models. It is important for our children to be exposed to real-life superheroes who are making a difference – living noble adventures in the real world. People such as Bethany Hamilton, Nick Vujicic, Gemma Sisia, Malala Yousafzai and Cathy Freeman to name a few. The Bible has many examples of people with characteristics that would make good role models. One example is Barnabas from the New Testament. He was generous, a good friend, a peace-maker, trustworthy, dependable, patient, forgiving and obedient. His lifestyle clearly showed his love for God and his actions show a good example for us all to follow.
What are the qualities that we most admire in our role models? Are the role models we have really worth emulating? How can we best be a role model to others? This is a challenge for us all to think about.
Janine de Paiva
Junior School Chaplain
