June 2000 Volume 81 Number 6
"serving the protectors"
Chaplains
| June 2000 Volume 81 Number 6 "serving the protectors" |
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| SA Police Chaplains |
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| By
David Marr |
Progress
t’s a good thing progress, though sometimes we can be left behind. We all like having a new car in the shed. We probably wouldn’t mind a vintage one either, but it isn’t good to be setting off on a long journey feeling uncertain about your vehicle’s ability to get you there. Having a vintage car as an option is good, but it isn’t so good being “stuck” with the old one.
Not too many of us would like living and serving back in the “good old days” on a permanent basis. Not too many of us would like handing up the TV, dishwasher or microwave on a permanent basis. The need for new models and the steady flow of labour-saving devices is now no longer an option but has become necessity.
I was leaning on the jetty rail the other night. There was quite a crowd there too, some strolling, others fishing and some, like me, were enjoying the evening air. I guess every age has had its “yobbos”. At times I think the present age has been over-supplied, with those people who feel everyone is obliged to pay them heed and grant them credulity. These were of the typical white Anglo style and mixed with several darker-skinned males. Most of them had consumed enough to generate real courage and believed themselves above the reach of legal inhibitors. Their behaviour was possibly not offensive in legal terms but offended almost everyone within the vicinity.
Some of us can remember when gentlemen never swore in front of ladies, when people paused on the footpath or removed their hats when a hearse passed by, and when courteous behaviour gave a sense of etiquette and dignity. While some individuals may have, at times, acted uncouthly, society in general frowned and such behaviour went unrewarded.
We certainly live amid technological advancement. Computers, smart cards, electronic devices and satellite phones have become common items for us. We continually move ahead with the new. Progress ensures we now work and achieve at levels hitherto unknown and spend increased quality technocratic leisure time. We don’t seem to have kept pace in the area of developing our people or social skills. In fact some contend that watching intoxicated adults publicly throwing rubbish at passers-by and yelling obscenities and abuse is more than a step backward and a violation of others’ freedom.
Years ago St Paul spoke about the need for discipline, self-discipline and behaviours that protect the freedoms and esteem of others. The same attitude and devotion promotes meaningful living, health and happiness. He said: “Be kind to one another. Get rid of bitterness. Be tolerant and forgiving.”
He also encouraged people not to be dominated by past hurts, bitterness and difficulties, for these things produce tensions, arguments and ultimately negative influences on personal relationships and health. St Paul never claimed to have achieved success in theses things himself but kept striving and moving ahead toward his personal goals. He constantly faced civil libertarians, politicians and “yobbos”, too. He usually found their agendas lurking behind their abuse and offensiveness.
As I stepped from the jetty I wondered if, for all our mod cons, our community was getting any better. I wondered what St Paul might suggest. Much, of course, comes back to my own attitude and how I share positively with others and what I can do in the various areas of my life. That much is up to me - to look ahead positively.
I hope to meet you on the jetty one day.
Welfare Section 58 David Marr 8364 3567 Senior Police Chaplain. Academy 8 Mark Thomas 8296 9616 Adelaide: Angas Street 158 Bruce Grindlay 8295 2220 Adelaide: Hindley Street 62 Bruce Grindlay 8295 2220 Adelaide Hills Division 54 Adrian Stephens 8398 2510 Office: 8398 2517 Berri 212 Vacant Ceduna 214 Bob Borgas 086 253 503 Christies Beach 20 Vacant Clare 202 Michael Dutschke 088 423 681 Communications 172 David Hand 8295 6992 Elizabeth 52 Stephen Brooks 041 884 0739 Far North 210 John Folkman 08 8672 5011 Focus 21 Richard Lawton 08 8362 4936 Gawler 52 Brian Tscharke 085 222 288 Glenelg 22 Malcolm Thomas 8377 0772 Henley Beach 18 Brenton Daulby 8443 8286 Holden Hill 44 Rod Dyson 8365 1170 Kadina 71 Vacant Kingston 208 Mount Gambier 208 Brian Ashworth (w) 087 231 353 (h) 087 252 537 Murray Bridge 200 Malcolm Bottrill 085 325 536 Naracoorte 208 Bruce Cliff 8737 2457 0417 811 702 Norwood 60 Lynton Wade 8362 2227 0418 831 703 Nuriootpa 204 Andy Kowald 085 621 011 Plympton 14 Ian Dempsey 8210 8108 Port Adelaide 6 Jeff Oake 8341 5930 Port Pirie 206 Steve Ardill 8632 3977 Prosecution Services 176 Vacant Port Augusta PS 210 Vacant Port Lincoln 214 Vacant Salisbury 53 Vacant South East Terry Natt 8571 1114 Sturt 12 Chris Beal 8278 9578 Tea Tree Gully 48 Bob George 8395 9363 Thebarton Barracks 32 Joe Grealy 8338 3225 Transit Division Wayne Shepherd 8443 4895 Unley 28 Max Bowers 8272 8324 Whyalla 218 John Dunkley 0886 452 500
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