Christophe Tanguy
My son told me about a video that he watched that showed how small the earth is within the universe and its surrounds. He went on to say… my problems are so irrelevant to what is going on in the universe. Literally! and… my ‘actions’ are so unbelievably irrelevant. I jumped straight in and added “Your actions may not affect the rock you live on, but your actions can affect those around you”. A Dad always knows when to impart wisdom to their children!

Reflecting on the truth contained within my wisdom to reflect on the hardships faced by our St Andrews community throughout 2021, it has been a hard year to wrap one’s head around. Plenty of loss, illness and uncertainty.
Going back to the wisdom of “our actions may not affect the rock we live on, but our actions can affect those around us”.
I want to share a thought about how I have seen our actions, that have mirrored that of Jesus Christ, make a difference to those around us.
The disciples of Christ were told to go out into the world and share His story and make disciples of others. The disciples of Christ were taught that before he ascended they would go out into the world and would find trouble when sharing what we now call the Gospel.
Sharing God’s word and Christ’s actions and teachings affects those we share it with and not always in a positive way. Some College students, families and staff have struggled with marrying God’s word, the reassurance of Christ’s teaching and his ultimate victory over death with what hardship or torment they were experiencing. Understandably, at a time when death, illness, uncertainty or insecurity has entered into our lives, some of us find God’s word or Christ’s teachings hard to accept. Recognising the truth of this - what I did see accepted or appreciated over past months were words and actions from the people within the St Andrews Community. Words and actions that were founded in God’s word and Christ’s teachings but delivered in a different way. Walking alongside, sitting quietly with, listening to or sharing time with people in need.
God’s word or Christ’s teachings were not directly quoted or shared but God’s desire and Christ’s command were being played out by those who walked, sat, listened or shared with those struggling. I have witnessed many of our St Andrews community members do this. Humbly and quietly being Christ to others has provided support, confidence, encouragement and a safe place countless times for many students, families or staff throughout 2021.
When we as St Andrews sit in God’s space and allow ourselves to be reminded of the peace, guidance and grace that being a disciple of Christ can bring about in ourselves and the lives of others, we can’t not affect those around us if we mirror His love and willingness to connect. Spending time with God’s word can provide a lens in which we can see and interact with the world. It can provide the inspiration and guidance to love others deeply and sincerely.
We may be a very, very, very, very small part of this universe but our actions can have a massive effect on those around us. Please continue to walk humbly with your God.
May the peace of Christ be with you today.
God bless you.
Christophe Tanguy
Middle/Senior School Teacher