Abide and Abound: A New Year Reflection at the Little Olive Tree Commencement Service

As we begin a new year, we are reminded of Jesus’ words about the vine and the branches. When we abide in Him, and He abides in us, we will bear much fruit. This is not only a spiritual idea for worship, but a deeply practical way of life that shapes how we learn, work, and grow together as a school community.

Abiding does not mean stepping back, and abounding does not mean excess. It is about life flowing—quietly, steadily, and faithfully—into real fruit. In a school, that fruit is seen in children who are nurtured, families who are supported, and educators who continue to grow in wisdom and care.

The past few years have been a significant season of formation for our schools, marked by growth, change, and strong support along the way. As we move forward, we recognise that we are now in a stronger and more stable place. With that strength comes a call to maturity—an invitation for everyone to play their part and carry responsibility together.

Abide and Abound takes shape in everyday moments. It is seen in how we approach our work with purpose, step in to address challenges, and choose to move forward with courage rather than avoid difficulties. It is also expressed in how we bear one another in love—giving without keeping score, supporting one another generously, and building a community rooted in trust.

As we step into the year ahead, we do so knowing it will be full. This is not a sign of strain, but a sign of growth. We are learning to live out a shared responsibility, allowing the life that flows through us to shine and bear fruit for others.

We do not walk into this new year alone. We are connected—to Christ, and to one another. And because we abide, we trust that we will abound.

Rooted in Truth, Growing in Beauty, Bearing Goodness.

常在且丰盛：新一年的反思

新的一年开始，我们想起耶稣所说的葡萄树与枝子的比喻。枝子常在葡萄树上，就能结出果子。同样地，当我们与基督连结，生命便会自然流露，带来成长与祝福。

“常在且丰盛”并不是一个抽象的属灵口号，而是一种真实可行的生活方式。在学校里，这种生命的流动体现在孩子被细心培育、家庭得到支持，以及教育者在关爱与学习中不断成长。

过去几年，是我们不断被塑造、被建立的阶段。过程中有许多学习与调整，也有来自各方的支持。如今，我们站在一个更稳固的位置，也进入一个更成熟的季节。这意味着，我们不再只是接受帮助，而是学习共同承担责任，一起把学校建设得更好。

“常在且丰盛”体现在日常的选择中：用积极的态度面对工作，勇敢处理挑战，在困难中选择向前而不是回避；也体现在彼此相待的方式上——愿意付出、不计较回报，用爱建立信任。

迈入新的一年，我们知道前方的道路会充实而忙碌。这不是负担的记号，而是成长的标志。我们学习为那流经自己的生命负责，让它发光，也为他人结出果子。

我们不是独自前行。我们彼此连结，也与基督连结。因为常在，我们有信心走向丰盛。

扎根于真理，在美中成长，结出善果。