The children can often be our greatest inspiration. As adults, we might decide what we think they should do or what we think they are capable of, but in actual fact, if we sow the seeds and support their growth, without mollycoddling them, they burst forth/flower in quite outstanding ways. Often the more nervous or unsure they are, the greater the depth of talent that lies there waiting to be uncovered. Watching children run with all their heart when representing the school at the Pupuke Cross Country on Friday, a parent commented regarding her son ” He gave his all today and so did all the kids who ran. A big hooray to all of them! Bless them.” Looking at the children preparing for our big school show ” Maui” and working with them and their teachers, it is exciting to see the dedication, hard work and emerging talents that they will all share with you at the performances. For a performance to be successful, everyone has to give of their best, regardless of the role or size of the part. It’s like a jigsaw with pieces missing if any performers think their part doesn’t matter much and act accordingly. For the performers, fear and nervousness all come into the experience and we recognise that and support children to breathe deeply, prepare well and give it their best shot. Ms Woodhead and I were at a course on Friday and we heard this story: “One day there was a violent electrical storm and one little boy stayed outside gazing up into the sky looking at the lightening, with an amazing smile on his face. When questioned about what he was doing he replied, ” I am smiling at God while he takes my photo.” The poem below reminds us that we are all children of God and, as such, it is a compliment to God if we are happy and proud to shine our light for everyone to see!”
Our Deepest Fear Poem By Marianne Williamson
Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.
Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.
It is our light, not our darkness
That most frightens us.
We ask ourselves
Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?
Actually, who are you not to be?
You are a child of God.
Your playing small
Does not serve the world.
There’s nothing enlightened about shrinking
So that other people won’t feel insecure around you.
We are all meant to shine,
As children do.
We were born to make manifest
The glory of God that is within us.
It’s not just in some of us;
It’s in everyone.
And as we let our own light shine,
We unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.
As we’re liberated from our own fear,
Our presence automatically liberates others.
Note: This inspiring quote is taken from Marianne Williamson’s book A Return to Love. Though often quoted as part of Nelson Mandela’s moving inaugural speech, “Our Deepest Fear” does not appear in the speech.
– See more at: http://www.inspiringcommunity.org/inspiringstories0504#4