With all the negativity in the news in the last week involving the prediction of a deep recession, cheating university students, collapsing ski-lifts and the deaths of 6 Canadian soldiers I would like to, in the spirit of the Christmas season, try and find some light in the deep darkness of the Swedish winter.
After experiencing an earthquake here in Southern Sweden yesterday, a first for myself, I found myself musing over how strong our need to be with others actually is. We all want to share our experiences with others and when something remarkable happens the first thing we do is open our door and try to find something to de-brief with. In a time of year where people, religious or not, come together to share stories, a good meal and take part in a more than 1600 year old tradition, we also share in a common need to be together.
I’ve been reading a book by Jean Vanier called “Our Life Together: A Memoir in Letters.” Vanier is the founder of the L’Arche communities for the disabled that exist in over 30 countries around the world. In this book he outlines the humble beginnings of the very first L’Arche community in Trosly, France. Vanier is a man of faith that has an unbelievable belief in humanity and its capabilities, especially amongst those we perceive as the weakest in our society. He also shares in his words great wisdom and hope for all of us. One particular quote that jumped out at me while I was reading has stuck in my head for the past week. It seems in our daily routines we at times forget about the common humanity we share. Other people become nuisances that get in our way and cause us to wait in line at the store while Christmas shopping. Sometimes we need something to happen to shake us up (an earthquake works pretty well) and put things back in perspective. In a season where stress and darkness can reach our very hearts we all need to see the potential that even the dark has to bring about something great.
“On the eighth of July a third left on pilgrimage for Fatima. During the trip we encountered all sorts of difficulties. The brakes of the minibus driven by Thérèse needed repairs. We stopped at Guarda and that gave us an unforgettable evening at the house of some new friends. Three windshields broke with a deafening sound on Spanish roads. Marie Paule and Carole in the Deux Chevaux were the first vicitims; then there was Colleen and family and finally it was the Citroën D.S. with Dédé, who cried out. “How beautiful! How beautiful! It is just like crystal!” We spent two days in Bayonne with Anne Marie and Sister Monique, who came to our rescue. The oilcap on Alain’s car disappeared and with it quite a lot of oil! Have you ever looked for an oilcap in Spain on a Saturday evening? These episodes were always accompanied by joy and by encounters with new friends. That is where I began to discover the importance of welcoming the unexpected with openness, trying to see the positive elements in these events.”
Whether it is a friendly greeting or helping someone with a car-problem we all have opportunities every-day to meet people; people just like us. At times it is as if we don’t have any room in our lives for new friends and we would rather stay in our own comfortable bubbles. However it is these bubbles keep us in the dark no matter the time of year.
Maybe this year, in the midst of all the darkness and worries, we can try and see these problems from the outside and, in Jean Vanier’s spirit, see the potential these tribulations give us to be better people.
A very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from myself to all our readers!
Will Grassby
After experiencing an earthquake here in Southern Sweden yesterday, a first for myself, I found myself musing over how strong our need to be with others actually is. We all want to share our experiences with others and when something remarkable happens the first thing we do is open our door and try to find something to de-brief with. In a time of year where people, religious or not, come together to share stories, a good meal and take part in a more than 1600 year old tradition, we also share in a common need to be together.
I’ve been reading a book by Jean Vanier called “Our Life Together: A Memoir in Letters.” Vanier is the founder of the L’Arche communities for the disabled that exist in over 30 countries around the world. In this book he outlines the humble beginnings of the very first L’Arche community in Trosly, France. Vanier is a man of faith that has an unbelievable belief in humanity and its capabilities, especially amongst those we perceive as the weakest in our society. He also shares in his words great wisdom and hope for all of us. One particular quote that jumped out at me while I was reading has stuck in my head for the past week. It seems in our daily routines we at times forget about the common humanity we share. Other people become nuisances that get in our way and cause us to wait in line at the store while Christmas shopping. Sometimes we need something to happen to shake us up (an earthquake works pretty well) and put things back in perspective. In a season where stress and darkness can reach our very hearts we all need to see the potential that even the dark has to bring about something great.
“On the eighth of July a third left on pilgrimage for Fatima. During the trip we encountered all sorts of difficulties. The brakes of the minibus driven by Thérèse needed repairs. We stopped at Guarda and that gave us an unforgettable evening at the house of some new friends. Three windshields broke with a deafening sound on Spanish roads. Marie Paule and Carole in the Deux Chevaux were the first vicitims; then there was Colleen and family and finally it was the Citroën D.S. with Dédé, who cried out. “How beautiful! How beautiful! It is just like crystal!” We spent two days in Bayonne with Anne Marie and Sister Monique, who came to our rescue. The oilcap on Alain’s car disappeared and with it quite a lot of oil! Have you ever looked for an oilcap in Spain on a Saturday evening? These episodes were always accompanied by joy and by encounters with new friends. That is where I began to discover the importance of welcoming the unexpected with openness, trying to see the positive elements in these events.”
Whether it is a friendly greeting or helping someone with a car-problem we all have opportunities every-day to meet people; people just like us. At times it is as if we don’t have any room in our lives for new friends and we would rather stay in our own comfortable bubbles. However it is these bubbles keep us in the dark no matter the time of year.
Maybe this year, in the midst of all the darkness and worries, we can try and see these problems from the outside and, in Jean Vanier’s spirit, see the potential these tribulations give us to be better people.
A very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from myself to all our readers!
Will Grassby
My blog entries will return on Jan. 3 along with a new format, weekly features and some other new surprises as well!
2 comments:
Thanks for your positive thoughts! And a very Happy Christmas to all the blog journalists.
GG
So much has happened since you wrote this blog. It is interesting to see now in 2011 where these thoughts of yours and Jean Vanier have led you. GG
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