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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!

Living Rural - www.livingrural.net

New Year Reflection

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