For a few short days, due to the merriment of the season and the fact many businesses are shut down, there will be a little idle time to catch our collective breath after a tumultuous few months this past fall.
We know the new year will present many challenges, the least of which is dealing with continuing tough times. While none of us wish hardship for others, a blind eye cannot be turned to the reality that will impact most homes this coming year. Few will be untouched as a protracting business cycle and over extended finances become evident.
With all this glum talk, there is some good News, and that is perhaps that Canadians will once again understand the strength of goodness as a way of living. In our recent issues there were an astounding number of articles dealing with donations to the food banks and other charitable ventures. In our own office, two mailroom staff came up with the idea that goods should be gathered for the food bank and some money should be raised internally for Groves Hospital and its efforts to get a CT Scanner. With some thought, there are many things we can do to bring relief and happiness to others around us.
It seems to us that far too often people are concerned about their own well being to the exclusion of others needing a hand up. Money isn’t the only way to help others. Sometimes it is as simple as spending a bit of time getting reacquainted or sharing a coffee out of the blue. Perhaps 2009 can be a year where we all act on that nagging intuition we all get, and take the time to reach out.
One of the sadder tales shared with us this past year was a story from years ago. A man had lost his son and as guys are wont to do, the father became very quiet and sat under an old tree. Whether pity or anger was the driving force, hours were spent sitting there, without a word said to anyone, not even his wife, who suffered her own way inside the house.
Out of the blue an old friend showed up. His rusty old pick-up was loud enough to let the whole neighbourhood know he was in town. The grieving father was unmoved, oblivious to the guest now coming into the back yard. The old farmer sat down without a word and stayed for a couple of hours. Not a word was exchanged and once the evening had grown very late the old farmer decided to go home. All that was said were words to the effect of “I’m heading out, and will see you another time.”
That story was shared with us years later, long after the old farmer himself had passed away. It meant a lot to the grieving father and illustrates how little things make a difference to others. Sometimes it is as simple as knowing someone cares enough to make time for others.
As we head into the New Year, we hope that goodness finds its way into people’s everyday lives.
