This is our last e-newsletter for 2020, a year that has felt very long for many of us. Thanks for being part of our mission and of our collective journey towards a more hopeful world where everyone walks in solidarity for the well being of all.
Let’s agree that this year has been a challenge on many fronts. For many, the New Year can’t come fast enough, especially if can bring some relief from Covid-19. We’ve been greeted this week by the hope of a vaccine that may soon be available for our most vulnerable, for those who have cared and continue to care for our loved ones, and then for us all.
If anything, it is this hope that I invite you to consider as we roll into the holiday season. This message of hope and newness is at the core of this sacred time of year for many spiritual traditions. It is time to celebrate new beginnings, to count our many blessings and to appreciate how connected we are to each other in this mystery called life that continues to unfold each and every day, each and every moment.
And yet for some, this time of year will not bring a sense of joy and happiness. There are many who continue to remain alone, feel isolated or disconnected and who are struggling. They, too, are worthy of our attention. And let’s not forget all our front-line workers who continue to make significant sacrifices to show up each day in service to others. We, too, will be asked to make a sacrifice this year by not connecting and celebrating in the ways with which we have in the past. We will do our part in limiting the spread of Covid-19, to keep our neighbours safe and to ensure our health system is available to those who need it most.
In a sign of solidarity to all, we invite you to find safe ways to reach out to those you love, to our care givers and to those who may need some kindness and connection in their lives. Consider a phone call, a card, an e-mail, a quick FaceTime, a smile, a wave, a donation, a shoveled walk and if it is safe to do so, a source of nourishment left outside one’s door. Réseau Compassion is so pleased to have launched an initiative that makes it easy to send a message to a senior in a personal care home, or a health-care worker on the front lines. Send a note of good cheer by clicking here.
Let’s bring this spirit of giving with us as we look forward to 2021 and the adventures that await. As we move into the New Year, we wish you a peaceful and hopeful holiday season and a very merry Christmas!