Being Comfortable with the Uncomfortable

Believe it or not, growing up I was quite a shy youngster. My father who was an Army commander and a massive fan of Dale Carnegie helped transform my aversion to social interactions. I remember being strongly encouraged to present myself in uncomfortable situations like approaching other children or adults who were essentially strangers and strike up a conversation to offer help in some way. Being strongly encouraged to always lead the readings at Church as a kid with no microphone and never lowering my voice also definitely broke any shyness!

The feeling was daunting at first but soon transformed a disposition of seeking out the new and the sometimes uncomfortable while knowing what could come of it.

As I soon take up a seconded role at LEVNT, I look forward to the familiar and new but very much also look forward to the new challenges. There will also be some welcomed uncomfortable situations like never having lived in another state, change in climate, hook-turns, Melbourne traffic, AFL and much more!

While our regions have worked together and I have been fortunate to establish a number of collegial connections across the LEVNT schools, I am sure there will be many more relationships to grow and nurture. Even though it is so heart-warming to see LEQ currently going from strength to strength, I will utilise this next year as a further enriching adventure to serve education and ultimately the lives of young people. I will still be working collaboratively with the regions and so I will definitely be popping up at times and maintain the rich relationships with you all including Tanya and the rest of the Secretariat. I look forward to also supporting and working with the very capable Vanessa Noonan during her secondment.

It is a great opportunity to always experience Lutheran Education in all that it is and all that is capable of, and I am very blessed that I have already had many years in Lutheran Education Qld, Lutheran Education Australia and Cross Regional work. Much thanks again to Tanya, Julian and Kim in helping enable this episode.

The many caring professionals such as yourselves who strive to cohesively collaborate to enact the whole being greater than the sum of its parts are also God’s greatest gift to education and Lutheran Education Qld has been known to do this so well. It is always a privilege to serve with you.

Barb and I will enjoy this next small adventure in Melbourne as we also connect more with parts of my family and friends while seeking some new coffee haunts, hidden bars/restaurants and weekend getaways.

May God continue to provide us all with the strength to serve and tackle challenges, uncomfortable situations and opportunities to enable us to serve education modelled in the image of his son and our saviour who always guides us on our journey.

Rich Blessings to you all.

Derek