One of the aspects of Matariki that I am learning to value is the invitation it offers in winter each year to Pause and Reflect.

The Matariki star cluster (also known as the Pleiades) is visible to most of the planet for most of the year. Yet here in Aotearoa, New Zealand, there is a period when it is not. And when it reappears (low on the horizon at dawn), the Māori New Year begins heralding the signal to pause, reflect, share and prepare.

Now there is obviously great value in strategy and planning forward. Yet have you noticed most often, the beginning of real wisdom for our lives is gained when we look back and learn the art of reflecting well?

There is this whakatauki that says: "Ka mua, ka muri", which describes such wisdom translated as: “walking backwards into the future".

It is interesting that our very own Chapel here at St Peter’s was intentionally designed to cause deep reflection. One example of this is the first design for the stained glass windows at the northern end of the chapel was originally only to depict scenes of the crucifixion.

However, founder Arthur Broadhurst’s attention to detail and forward-thinking eventually won out, and the design was replaced with the artists creating imagery out of scenes from the bible that encouraged service and duty.

In doing so promoted its own form of reflection. The visual invitation for any person that would step inside and consider the truth that deep satisfaction is attained in the service of God and of others.

May this Matariki season be one where we each take hold of the gift that is reflection and allow it to do its ‘wisdom work’ in us and inform how we walk into the future.

“I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your wonders of old.” Psalm 77:11

Grace and peace

Matt Martyn – School Chaplain