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Anecdotal stories, observations,comments and discussion pieces as insights into living in Rural Australia

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Living Rural - December 2007

New Year Reflection

December 30th 2007 04:40

Alone

Some probably think that those of us who live in a Country town can escape from the hard realities of life and can live blissfully unaware of the suffering of others. Well, like people everywhere, that is possible, and many do, but so do many in the city.But, like the city, there are those in the Country who see the needs of others and work to assist them in whatever way they can.

Perhaps it is harder for those in need in a small community to admit it to those with whom they have contact - down the street, in the sporting club etc etc. While the family tragedy becomes widely known and help usually comes, others are more hidden.
For example, I have only recently discovered, that there are several people in town who went through very traumatic experiences escaping their homelands and as refugees. One was put in front of a firing squad, only to escape when partisans caused a disturbance in another part of his town. Another hid in marshes in the freezing winter of Hungary to escape from Communism. Another family ran from their African village and crossed the mountains with others, many dying on the way. These people are our neighbours and our workmates. They hide their stories until they are ready to tell them - how important it is for us all to be ready to listen.
Most City people are aware of the problems arising from drought or other farming disasters, but the problems go beyond no water or stock feed. It extends to children not being able to get an extended education, it's no employment within the towns, it's sporting clubs, churches and other groups not being able to sustain their role within the town - and so it goes on. And the hardest part is to admit you need help.

Then there are the lonely. The lady who is 50 kms from town caring for her mother for the last 3 years - because her mother wants to die at home. The old man who lives in a caravan in the bush, because people have let him down once too often or the young mother who lives in an old farm house who cannot come to town often, because the family can only afford one vehicle and her partner needs it to work away from home.
Once we become aware of the needs of our community - wherever they may be, it is important that we do not turn away. Finding the right thing to do, can be difficult, but we must keep trying. Over Christmas I received the film "Amazing Grace" the story of the life long struggles of William Wilberforce and his friends to rid the world of slavery. An inspiring story - worth getting out from your DVD library. We all know slavery is still part of communities - and comes in many different forms, so may I quote from the dustcover "You may choose to look the other way, but you can never again say you did not know." That is the challenge for the New Year - when you know - what will be your choice?
Here endeth the first lesson!!! Have a Happy and productive New year!

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Posted By: bumpkin - Category: observations

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Christmas poem - Mary's Concern

December 2nd 2007 06:11

Mary and Joseph with Jesus

As Christmas is almost upon us once more we again look at the Christmas story. One of the perks or problems about living in a small town is the way people know a fair bit about one's own business. We can only imagine what happened to Mary as she contemplated the birth of a child when she was not yet married, in a time and place when it was really a prohibitive position in which to be. But one of the blessings we have, in the story of Christmas is Joseph's acceptance of the situation. If you want to read it look in the Bible in Matthew Chapter 1, verses 18-25. If you want to continue to think of Joseph there is a great song sung by Michael Crawford on is CD "On Eagle's Wings" called Joseph's lullaby. Perhaps we can all learn from Joseph as to the meaning of Love.
This is my Christmas gift to you - Have a great season.
Mary's Concern
How will I tell him.
The man I'm to marry,
God gave me the message
A child I'm to carry?

How will I tell him?
The neighbours aren't caring.
They'll know I'm with child
And then they'll be staring.

I'm sure he will send me
Away from his side.
I know that he loves me
But what of his pride?

If I speak of the angel
And God's only son,
He'll not understand
What has to be done.

Here he comes now
With fast steady stride,
He seems so determined
To put me aside.....

He looks at me closely
He holds me so near.
God thinks of everything!
I've nothing to fear.

Picture downloaded from Microsoft Clipart
Poem self published in book "Barriers Broken"