Yesterday I was a guest of Tom Cooper at The Hope in the City Breakfast, which kicks off The Salvation Army’s Kettle campaign in Vancouver. Walking into this gathering of 1000, I was struck by the vista. The convention rooms look over the harbour, framed by the North Shore Mountains.
The room was mostly populated by businesses who had bought tables, sponsoring the event contributing generously. As well, next to us, boys from a private school looked comfortable enough in their smart uniforms, secure in the fact that in a few short years they too would be joining those who have the means and contacts which allow them to frequent such events.
Having been brought up in the home of Salvation Army Officer parents; the crest and the uniforms immediately brought a feeling of comfort, of home, and of purpose.
Canada’s national leader, along with his wife, were guests. Commissioner Brian Peddle spoke succinctly, and grabbed the hearts and minds of those present. As they are friends of my family, I knew he was genuine.
One of his speaking points was based on the story in the bible where Jesus heals a paraplegic man carried to Jesus on a mat. The miracle was not only that Jesus reached out and healed him. “Take up your mat and walk” but that he had four committed friends who - knowing that the man had nothing to give them - were there for him anyway, wiling to carry him to the feet of the healer.
Here is the challenge for us this Christmas. Are we willing - not only at this time of year but as part of who are we are- to be there for people who need us? ... to pick up a corner of a persons mat?
This isn’t only for those homeless. Vancouver Foundation’s Vital Signs report for the Metro Vancouver found " that the degree to which we feel connected to one another has the biggest impact on how we rate the quality of our lives. ”
We had over 240 at our recent Beyond Homelessness, Church and Affordable Housing forum. Here we heard Brian Walsh speak on how on the impact of our societies fragmentation impacts not only those homeless, but us all.
So what is the greatest gift we could give? Could it simply be ourselves? Our time? Our attention? My challenge is to really put this into action.
And I hope we don’t forget those people for whom Christmas is usually the toughest part of the year... for this season is a stark reminder that they don’t have family or people who really care.
I think Christmas is all about celebrating the gift of presence...Jesus came to be among us, born in the stench of a barnyard. This means much more than presents!
Doug Peat- CGLF Equipping
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