Peace like a River
During our chapel time, we love to sing together. Often our singing is very loud and enthusiastic, and it is always such a joyful and energetic start to our chapel. It is one of my favourite moments in our week here at MCC, watching the absolute delight on our children’s faces as they dance and sing. It is wonderful and heart-warming.
One of the songs we sing is ‘Peace like a river’ and as we can do so easily, I often sing along without really thinking about the words I am singing. Over the weekend, one stanza of this song was revolving around and around in my head and it forced me to stop and think about what it is we are so enthusiastically singing.
‘I’ve got peace like a river,
I’ve got peace like a river,
I’ve got peace like a river in my soul.’
Peace as described in the Christian Bible, is a translation of the Hebrew word ‘Shalom’. It refers to a peace that might be different to one that you are familiar with – often we think about peace as the absence of conflict and war. In the Bible, it points to the presence of something better. True peace requires taking what is broken and restoring it to wholeness – in our lives, in our relationships and in our world.
Our desire is that as children and families in our community, you will experience and know this beautiful peace that is different to simply the absence of war. Our desire is that you will know a peace that is not temporary or fleeting – but a peace that ‘transcends understanding’. Peace that can’t be explained by us – and one that is permanent and real, despite the ups and downs that happen in life.
Our school is special place for many reasons, and the peace we cultivate here because of Jesus, is one aspect that sets MCC apart and makes this community so beautiful.
In words found in the New Testament of the Bible, “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank him for all He has done. Then, you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.”
Kellie Gianes, Head of Toolern Vale Campus.