AGE:
Secondary |
THEME:
The Adventure of the Unexpected |
PREPARATION: |
Prepare
- An OHT slide series, or a compilation of slides showing people at different stages of life, in different occupations or showing different emotions. Alternatively, ask students to make a display showing the same things.
- An OHT slide showing three doors: one closed, one open and one slightly ajar.
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MUSIC: |
| The 'Adagio' from Spartacus by Khachaturian. This is readily available on compilations of TV themes as the theme of The Onedin Line. It conveys a sense of movement and adventure with some periods of calm and some of storm. |
INTRODUCTION: |
- Use a series of OHTs or a single compilation to show people of different ages, engaged in different occupations.
- Draw attention to the unknown nature of life. We do not know at the start how it will develop. We may have clear ideas or plans, but these are not always fulfilled - obstacles get in the way, people are unpredictable ...
- Ask students to think back over their own lives and identify times when things that have happened to them have been unexpected.
- Then ask them to think about how they dealt with those situations. Was it in a positive way, asking what could be made of the new situation, or did they complain, "Why has this happened to me?"
- Point out that whether the journey has been good, bad or indifferent so far, they are here now - and forwards is the only way to go.
- Show the OHT of the three doors. At some point in our lives we all face doors like this. The main point is that we have to go through them. We cannot turn back.
Sometimes we can see where the door will lead.
At other times we catch a glimpse, but may be mistaken.
At yet other times the door is firmly closed and we cannot see the way ahead at all.
Possibly the third is the most exciting, but it is also the most 'scary'.
What can take some of the fear out of the unknown is having a clear idea of what we want to achieve in life, having a destination and a determination to use all and any circumstances - favourable or unfavourable - to help us reach it.
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READING: |
(Adapted from John Hick, The Philosophy of Religion)
Two people are travelling along the same road. One of them believes it leads to the Celestial City, the other that it is just a road. There is only one road and both must travel along it. During the journey they meet with moments both of pleasure and delight and of hardship and sorrow. One is prepared to put up with the bad times, sure in her mind that the goal to be achieved is worth it. The other grumbles and complains.
As they turn the last corner, one of them will be proved right and the other wrong. Yet they will both have made the same journey.
What has made the difference is the attitude that each has brought to it.
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DEVELOPMENT: |
Some will just have joined the school. Others are entering onto new exam courses, some are joining the sixth form and others looking forward to Higher Education or work.
Each stage is a door ajar or to be opened. What will make the difference is what you believe about the purpose of your life:
- Is it merely human existence to be made the most of - sometimes in a selfish way?
OR
- Is it merely human existence, but one in which we should do everything we can to ensure that all those who share that existence do so in the best possible, fairest way?
OR
- Is it, perhaps, a part of something wider, as the world's religions teach? Are we all part of a plan? Are we on a journey that begins at birth, and perhaps continues after our life in this world is over? Do we have a part to play in the continuing creation of the world?
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CONCLUSION: |
God does not promise an easy journey through life.
But he does promise that he will be there beside the travellers.
Christians, and other believers, do not expect an easier life than anyone else. What they do expect and find is that God is there walking with them through life and sharing what they experience. He will advise, help and encourage people to make the most of all that comes their way. Sometimes he will carry them. He gives them hope.
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PRAYER: |
Footsteps is appropriate. It can be found at:
www.judyn.trest.com/footsteps.html
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