We live in an increasingly busy and demanding world. Nearly everywhere we go we are bombarded by noise. When we do encounter the opportunity for quiet we often find it challenging, or uncomfortable.

Sometimes we overlook the benefits of quietness. When God met Elijah, he did not speak through the strong wind, the earthquake or the fire, but in the gentle breeze (1 Kings 19 1-13). Jesus showed us the importance of retreating from the busyness of the world. In Mark 1:35, we read about Jesus getting up early in the morning and going to find a place where he could pray alone.

As a church school community, we are responsible for providing the setting, the opportunity and the example for everyone to reflect. Reflection involves an inward journey from an outward stimulus. This internal journey may then lead to purposeful change. Reflection and prayer can be interchangeable for each individual as they make their own personal response.

Each classroom has a dedicated reflection area which children where pupils enjoy a range of activities that allow them to find new times to spend time with God. We have tried smarties prayers, plaster prayers of healing and prayer pictures, to name just a few. We are currently developing an outdoor reflection area which we hope will provide space for our school community to feel at one with God in our natural environment.