Dear Friends
I write this as we have entered the second month of a New Year and recently saw the start of the Lunar New Year celebrated in many parts of the world.
I don’t know about you but last year seemed so crazy. People seem to be acting out of a state of entitlement and unrealistic expectations. Our airport is so worried about people’s behaviour that they are erecting signs reminding passengers and visitors to show respect. I though this is one of the basic human courtesies.
I had to do a refresher training for Emergency Psychosocial response last week and the trainer as she was speaking told a story of how she now is so aware of people invading her personal space that when she does her shopping she wants to walk with her elbows spread so people don’t get too close.
We as chaplains can get into this space where we suffer compassion fatigue and even vicarious trauma. This then impacts on how we respond to others. I believe we need a kindness revolution where we look out for others, show compassion respect and kindness in our words and actions. We need to demonstrate what being human is really about.
The Prophet Isaiah wrote: “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland. COVID changed this world, not for the better, and I am frustrated that we still refer to the pre COVID days as if that is a worthy comparison. We are in a new place and I believe through our faith we need to be led that we can show people the new way, a way of kindness, compassion, respect and hope.
May you be encouraged to be the spring of refreshing water in your place that you serve.
Blessings
Martyn