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The Welland-Foss Group of Parishes
Certain smells can be extremely evocative, and they can whisk you straight back into a particular situation or place. At the fete in July, I was looking at some of the classic cars that were on show. The smell of the interior of one of them took me straight back into the car we used to have when I was boy, my dad’s 1949 Austin 16. There are many other evocative smells too, but another one of mine, which always triggered a reaction in me, was on the occasions when I went into a primary school straight after the summer holidays to take an assembly. The smell of the newly polished floor in the main was exactly the same as the primary school where I used to go. It was as though I had been transported straight back there, along with all the emotions and anxiety that school generated for me as a youngster.
Starting a new school or college or going back to your old one can be an anxious time for young people. I can vividly remember my first day at school with my mum coaxing me along as I bawled my head off!
Perhaps you have children, grandchildren or know of children who are feeling a bit that way at the prospect of going to school or college this September. Lots of smiles and hugs along with kind words of encouragement will go a long way in helping them face a new and daunting situation as well reminding them how much they are loved, whatever happens. There is an account in the Bible about a time when people were bringing their children to Jesus for him to bless, and his disciples got angry for wasting his time. His reaction was immediate and clear, ticking them off for their misunderstanding of how important children are to him, and therefore by implication, should be to us.
Let’s hope and pray that the smell of our children’s schools in years to come will trigger up good and happy memories for them! Prayer is sometimes thought of as a fragrance offered to God, so if it is appropriate for you, then here is a prayer you can offer on behalf of the children.
Dear God, we pray for the children and young people growing up in our schools as they prepare for their tasks in life. May they learn the lessons of greatest worth: Self-discipline, integrity of character, care for others and a true sense of values. So may they acquire wisdom as well as knowledge, and be strong in spirit to serve their generation and you. Amen
Revd Geoff Angell Priest in Charge
Last updated: 1st September 2008 |
