Service

In the midst of the distressing news that usually permeates the media, I have been heartened to hear some good news lately. When fire struck Fort McMurray, good news stories just kept coming. People in small communities gave such a wonderful welcome to the evacuees. Some folks walked up and down the long line of cars with cans of gas for motorists who were about to run out. Others stood with signs offering free meals and places to stay. That tragedy has brought out the very best in so many people. It was particularly touching to hear that Syrian refugees, new arrivals in Alberta, were doing what they could to help the evacuees. Those people understand better than most, what it means to lose everything. These many tales of generosity restore your faith in humanity.

At this point Canadians have donated millions of dollars to the Canadian Red Cross. In turn the Red Cross has been able to make the largest individual payouts in their history.There have been some interesting questions raised about donations. Charity Intelligence Canada suggested that the small independent charities (like the Edmonton Food Bank) should also be receiving donations. CBC's The 180 talked about the importance of donating money rather than stuff when disaster strikes. All the donated items actually create a lot of extra work with sorting, storage and distribution.

All around me I constantly hear stories of goodness; people who volunteer with so many worthy organizations, people who cook meals for patients, people who constantly give so much time to serve others. In a recent interview on CBC's The Next Chapter with Shelagh Rogers, Governor General David Johnston offered three quotes on service:

"Service is an act of love."

"Love is service made visible."

"Service is the rent we pay for our space on earth."

If we pay attention, we can hear and see examples of service every day.  They are as welcome as the signs of rebirth all around us.