There were certainly many Canadians watching the recent presidential election in the USA last month. After a long and at times bitter campaign, a new president was elected fairly by the majority of American voters who felt it was time for a change. While I would have vastly different views on those of the successful candidate, I respect the will of the people and hope the next four years see a reduction in the vulgarity, hatred, mistrust and basic lack of respect for the right of everyone’s human dignity.

As the political landscape changes, let us also enjoy and experience the change in seasons. In Canada we face the many faces of nature during the fall and winter seasons but always with an eye on the spring when nature comes back to life across our land.

This may also be a good time for us all to reflect on the way our Indigenous sisters and brothers welcome the changing seasons and embrace what has been given to them to act as good stewards for our land, water and animals. Human dignity must also respect the world and natural resources we live in.

As a Vincentian, I am always looking at ways we can continue to spread the word about the root cause of poverty and take actions to address the injustices that affect so many struggling to live a life of hope for the future.

Christmas seems to bring out the best in many of us as we seek to help others through our actions or donations. Let us continue our efforts throughout the coming year and hope and pray those in political power can also see how important it is to govern with respect for others by placing human dignity above all other goals.

May Christmas also provide us with time for family and friends, old and new, while we reflect on how much joy, love and compassion the birth of Jesus Christ continues to share with us all.

To my dear friends in the USA, please stay true to your Vincentian values and continue your caring and kind efforts.

About the author:

Jim Paddon lives in London, Ontario, Canada and serves as the Chair of the Ontario Regional Council’s Social Justice committee.  He is married to his dear wife Pat and they have six daughters and eleven grandchildren. Jim has been a member of the Society since the 1970’s.

I respectfully acknowledge the traditional, unceded territories of the Indigenous Peoples, including First Nations, Metis and Inuit, on which lands we meet, work and live.