thought for the week

ALL over Wales students have recently been receiving GCSE and A level exam results. Receiving results of any kind can be nerve wracking.

Across the world at the same time Muslims and Christians have been remembering two great heroes of faith who faced the unknown and changed the lives of many: in Islam, Eid al-Adha marks the time when Abraham believed that God tested his faith by asking him to give up much that he loved, even his son. He was willing to trust God, even when he had no idea what was going to happen, and because of his obedience God blessed him, saving his son and making him father of many.

And in Christianity, the feast of Mary recalled the story of the mother of Jesus who was willing to face a completely uncertain future when she received unexpected news from an angel, telling her that God had chosen her to give birth to the messiah.

We all receive life-changing news sometimes – and getting a piece of paper that seems to have the power to shape our future for better or worse is tough at any age or stage of life. If it’s something that threatens our sense of certainty about the future, it can be challenging to find ways to be flexible and positive, especially if others around us are celebrating when we feel very differently.

But the stories of Abraham and Mary remind us that some of the most rich and interesting lives ever lived have often arisen through unlikely or unexpected situations. So whatever uncertainties we’re facing it’s important to remember that results of any kind are only a small part of who we are. Facing uncertainty with faith and character seems to me a pretty good way of getting through it.

Andrew Sully