By John Moore, Columnist
Christmas season where celebrating will be the order of the day. This is a special time of year when many remember and honor a precious Seviour born to a virgin several thousand years ago. This is the miracle of a life who performed untold healings, and when he died, rose from the dead.
This is also a special time where families and friends get together to share joy and goodwill. It is an important tradition also where we buy presents as tokens of appreciation for those we love. It is this season of love that overrides everything else as we remember how important it is to love our neighbors as ourselves. More than ever, however, it is a time for peace and harmony.
Unfortunately, there are many in our region who are not as fortunate as we are. It is a time of year where suffering can be more acute whether it be personal relationships, mental health or physical issues, food insecurity or cost of living issues. The worst scourge of all can be the affliction of homelessness where hopelessness is ever present. We can, however, do something about all these issues if we choose to. It does not have to be just at Christmas, it can be year round.
As a young man I joined a service club called the Kiwanis Club of Halifax. I was probably the youngest member and was surrounded by a group of older men who were the movers and shakers of Halifax at the time. I learned how important it is to serve others who may not be as fortunate, or who are, but still need help.
This organization founded the Rainbow Haven camp for children, a hot meal program for adults at a local church, a school milk program, and the infamous Kiwanis Music Festival to name a few. It was at this festival that music legends Ann Murray and Sarah MacLaughlin participated in likely their first competitions and sang at the Stars of the Festival as among their first public performances.
The Kiwanis Club of Halifax truly was about serving others and making lives better for many thousands in our community. My involvement helped me to see the world as a place where we live to serve and that in itself is the greatest reward. It also started me on the road to lifelong service as a volunteer in a number of different organizations.
The satisfaction I have received from my efforts over the years, in these various organizations, has been at times overwhelming. No amount of money could have ever offered the same feeling. True altruism is true wealth as it means you are not looking for anything in return. Now that’s wealth and it did not cost anything other than your time.
Young or old, I challenge you to get out and serve others if you already haven’t. Many organizations are looking for volunteers. It is the greatest calling we can take up and we all have talents and special gifts to give. A good place to start is your Church. They are always looking for volunteers. If not a church, then service clubs, or a nonprofit. Food banks always need people to help. Creating proper shelters for the homeless would be an awesome gift. I encourage you to make serving others your mission in life. You will not regret it. This is the greatest gift we can give. Merry Christmas to all those celebrating their traditions!
Photo by Samuel Peter: https://www.pexels.com/photo/charity-in-christmas-time-14831647/
