May you have the gladness of Christmas which is hope,
The spirit of Christmas which is peace,
The heart of Christmas which is love.
Ada V. Hendricks
Christmas is fast approaching, and our thoughts turn to presents for family and friends. Shopping malls become our destination as we search for that perfect gift.
There are some gifts, though, that we can give to others all year long, and they won't involve a shopping trip or cost us a cent. One of the very best gifts we can give to others is the gift of hope.
Hope is a desire for things to change for the better, a feeling that what is wanted will happen: desire accompanied by expectation. One hopes with varying degrees of expectations, often aware of totally unrealistic outcomes, like living in Australia and hoping for a white Christmas. Hope is a possibility, like acing an exam or getting the job you applied for. Hope allows you to look forward to a good result, like testing negative for COVID.
British writer Samuel Johnson said, "Hope is necessary in every condition. The miseries of poverty, sickness, and captivity would, without this comfort, be insupportable."
Years ago I had a friend who was teaching school in Hope, B.C. She loved it there. It was at a crossroads to the Okanagan area and the Cariboo via the Fraser Canyon. Still we taunted her: Live in Hope? Die in despair!
How can we give the gift of hope? Whenever a person experiences a setback, a crisis, or a catastrophe, feelings of hopelessness and of being emotionally overwhelmed are quick to surface. More than ever in their lives, these people facing major challenges need individuals who come bringing the gift of optimism.
When a friend has been hit hard by one of life's blows, be there without an agenda. Arrive with a completely open heart, open mind, and open spirit, ready to do whatever needs to be done. Be sympathetic. Be compassionate and humble. Be willing; not to know what to do, but willing to ask, learn, and understand how best to help. Maybe just your presence is the best help at the time.
Almost always when one is in crisis, negative emotions and negative thinking dominate. Gently try to balance the negative with the positive, the hopeless with the hopeful. Help those who are struggling to re-frame their attitude to expect the best outcome, not the worst; to see the scenario from a different perspective.
Words of encouragement can have a lasting impact and infuse hope into our loved ones' weary hearts. You may be the only person who can restore joy and generate hope in a person's life. Yours may be the only voice that says "You can do it" or "I believe in you." Consider sharing hopeful scriptures with a friend who is engaged in an emotional and spiritual life battle.
You may have to help someone see what's right. When we are in crisis mode it's easy and natural to see only what's wrong. At those times we can all benefit from a friend who can help us shift focus and see what's right, what's working for us rather than against us. When trying to generate hope, try asking "What good thing happened to you this week?" or "What parts of your life are good?" By asking those kinds of questions you can help someone summon up the courage to look on the bright side and think positively, which is easily overlooked.
When people close to us experience times of trial and hardship, remember that those times of difficulty can also be times of deep loneliness. When someone you know and love is suffering, they need our support, not necessarily our "help." Our natural impulse is to offer others well-meaning words of advice when what they most need is to know that, no matter what happens, we will still be with them. Try to avoid the mistake of offering unsolicited advice or criticism. When you speak, let your words be encouraging and hopeful. Or maybe don't say anything at all! Maybe showing up and sitting with them will be support enough.
Ernst Block said it well. "We have no ultimate assurance, we have only hope."
The Clinton Seniors’ Association Marketplace was held Nov. 2 at the Clinton Memorial Hall. Congratulations to the lucky winners: Erica Rintoul (the beautiful quilt), Robin Fennell (the Peel ’n’ Pay raffle), and Annette Roehlig (the Merchant Appreciation prize). Brenda Miller won the framed picture “Hickory Daiquiri Doc” by Wendy Little, and the prize for the cookie guessing game (a jar of sugar cookies) went to Annemarie Byers. Thank you to all our supporters.
The Clinton Seniors’ Association AGM was held on Nov. 21. The slate of officers and directors for 2025 is Gloria Ferguson (chairperson); Heather Henre (vice-chair); Yvette May (secretary-treasurer); Jim Johnson, Yvette May, Jane Pletchet, and Irene McDonald (directors); and Isabel Haining, Jim Johnson, and Ross Tapping (Villa board directors).
The next regular meeting is on Thursday, Jan. 16 following lunch at the Clinton Seniors’ Centre, 217 Smith Avenue.
There are no member birthdays to celebrate in December.
Don't just count your years, make your years count.
George Meredith
