On one of his trips, Jesus met a Canaanite woman who was from Canaan (Matthew 15:21-28).  She wanted him to help her daughter whose mind was disturbed.  But Jesus ignored her at first, because he had been sent to bring his message to the Jewish people.  But she persisted and Jesus was struck by the strength of her belief and cured her daughter.  We learn that Jesus is ready to listen and help anyone who asks who has faith and belief in him and his message.

How do we listen to others?  ‘I told my Mum but she was busy cooking tea. She said “yes” so I did tell her,’ said a little person to me the other day.  How often do we get caught out because we haven’t given someone our full attention when they tell us something?  Quality listening is engaging with the person speaking, good eye contact, being still, thinking and responding appropriately.  These are skills our students need to learn to engage in their learning, think creatively and respond to their full potential.  We are their greatest models!

This week at Holy Spirit, we value thankfulness.  This is the feeling of being happy or grateful because of something.  When we are pleased and grateful for something we have, this is an example of a time when we are thankful.  This also helps us all to think of other people’s feelings and acknowledging the good by paying them a compliment or simply being reminded of the good things in our lives.  This week, we pray that our students show they are thankful for the good things in their lives to those around them.

God bless.

Caroline Fuller