Expected, or perhaps even above expectations around the news reports and Facebook posts examining the devastation of the Fort McMurray fires, is the response coming from people across the country and beyond to the needs of evacuees. From individuals to small towns to major cities and corporations, donations of every kind have been pouring in. Rent-reduced or even totally free accommodations, clothing and shoes of every size, food, bedding鈥he list goes on and on. It鈥檚 gratifying to realize that a culture that is often characterized as primarily self-occupied is proving itself to be anything but.
Generosity is, in itself, a gift because not everyone demonstrates that measure of quality of compassionate caring or of putting someone else鈥檚 need ahead of their own. In the face of such devastation it makes me grateful and proud to call these folks my fellow citizens.
In an appreciation-filled interview with the media, one evacuee expressed his thanks then added this sobering thought: if only we could get used to treating each other with kindness.
鈥淵ou鈥檙e right,鈥� I thought, 鈥淪adly it often takes a tragedy to evoke such a response鈥�. Getting used to treating one another with kindness doesn鈥檛 come easily. On other the other hand, when extraordinary tragedy strikes, that鈥檚 when extraordinary responses are needed. I鈥檝e been thinking about that balance all day. 聽聽
Getting used to being conscious of the needs of others while countering that with wisdom isn鈥檛 always easy. Perhaps it might be best summed up in this question: What can I do to help? Helping then is expanded to include not only an immediate response to an immediate need but also investing in helping make a long-term difference in the life of someone.
Wherever we are or find ourselves, there will always be needs to be met. Let鈥檚 get used to being kind to one another.
