The year was 2001. I was representing my school at the Tri-Schools Cricket Competition. My team, Macquarie College, were bowled out for a very average total. We took to the field knowing we had to get some early wickets to keep our hopes alive. We had our best bowlers trying all they could to work through the batting order. One batter on the Avondale team kept scoring run after run, leaving my teammates and I with nothing but snuffed hope. Then it changed. A short-pitched bowl, the crack of wood on leather, and a compound cricket ball flying in my direction. I ran backwards, lining up the catch just near the boundary line. The next few seconds felt like they were playing out in slow motion. The impact on my hands caused instant tingles and a burning sensation. As I stumbled to the ground, clenching onto the ball through the pain, I burst out of my bubble back into reality with the roar of my teammates celebrating. Reignited hope!
Despite the hall of fame my teammates enshrined me in on that day, this was not my greatest catch.
March 18, 2018: the heat was intense - 41 degrees to be exact! The shirt under my suit was soaked with sweat, and my nerves did not help the situation at all. The rumble of a HSV GTS-R (fitted with the Walkinshaw 557 package for the car nerds out there) rolled in. Out of the car stepped a man who I knew well. I smiled nervously in anticipation. Time seemed to stand still as she stepped out of the car and turned towards me. Our eyes met and our faces lit up with immediate joy. As my bride walked down the aisle, I was so sure of our future. I knew she was a real catch, my queen!
Although unable to comprehend it at the time, this was not my greatest catch.
Boxing Day, 2023. We were driving up the freeway towards our destination with great determination. Pulling off onto the Newcastle Link Road, the situation escalated with alarming speed. Continuing to drive, I called Jodean and told her we were only 10 minutes away - I was so sure we would make it! Time seemed to stand still as I was told to pull over and not to bother calling paramedics as it was too late. I ran around the car to help my wife while trying to come to terms with the reality of the situation. A minute later I saw my baby girl’s eyes open for the first time; the next thing I knew my outstretched arms held onto her tiny body as she speedily entered this world. Caught by dad, instant connection!
This was my greatest catch.
Her name is Selah. In the Bible this word is used to signify a pause in time, an opportunity to look back and reflect on the significance of what was just written; on God’s goodness, His grace and the unconditional love He has for His children. As I pause and reflect on the moment I met my beautiful daughter, I’m reminded of the immense love God has bestowed on us. How we are all made uniquely, together building a community that can share this love in amazing and varied ways. My challenge for us all is that we never forget to ‘catch’ and hold onto the significance of ‘selah’; the power of a pause and intentional reflection; the perspective a moment like this can foster.
We are loved. We are called to love. As a community, lets strive to let love reign.
Selah.
Mr Michael Hosken
Assistant Head of Primary
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