The recent storms across our state caused havoc in some areas. Trees that appeared strong and healthy came crashing down. I frequently enjoy walking along the Yarra at Warrandyte and on Saturday morning I saw the results of the storm. One giant ghost gum lay across the path. It had been a feature of that area of the Yarra for decades. Closer inspection revealed that whilst so much of the trunk was solid, there was an area that was hollow. It was this part that could not stand against the storm.
Within the strength of that trunk there lurked a weakness that would ultimately lead to its destruction. Strength existing alongside weakness. The storm revealed the weakness. It is a little like all of us, for we all have our strengths as well as our weaknesses. When everything is going well our weakness are not obvious, because we are not under pressure. But come the storm and we realise that things are not all as healthy as we would like them to be.
Jesus told a story about two houses that experienced a storm. The house that was built upon sand was swept away because it had no foundations. The other was built upon a rock survived because its foundations were strong. Our foundations matter. What we value and what we believe matters – especially when we experience a personal storm.
We all want to be standing after the storm and ultimately be stronger because of it.
Grace and peace to you and your family.
Gerry Riviere
Senior School Chaplain
