Do not be daunted by the enormity of the world’s grief. Do justly, now. Love mercy, now. Walk humbly, now. You are not obligated to complete the work, but neither are you free to abandon it.
-- The Talmud
With 2019 nearing its end, I began reflecting on the past year over the Thanksgiving holiday. Sitting outside in the cold, fresh air overlooking the Salish Sea, I thought about everything that made an impression on me this year. It began inauspiciously in January with the first of what was to be a total of four rare and unexpected health problems. For the first time, I was forced to spend an inordinate amount of energy mending my physical self. I was surprised to learn how impatient I can be! The energy required to bring myself back to full strength detracted from the energy I normally use to become involved in work or the communities I care about. I was very frustrated, but I pushed ahead.
Working in the social sector (with non-profits, philanthropy, etc.), one can’t help feeling we have the privilege and responsibility to make the world a better place. I spend my days engaged with the methods for dealing with the issues that plague societies and the people who put those methods into practice. And while our work is generally positive, and our intentions are generally noble, I sometimes feel like it doesn’t do any good. I had that feeling more times than I care to admit this year. Already weakened by successive illnesses, I became overwhelmed. Daunted, I allowed myself some time to rest, away from the intensity of the issues that animate my profession. I tried to uncouple my day-to-day work from the larger picture of what the work was for just to give myself a bit of a break.
I realize that what I did is something we all need to do when we feel overwhelmed and too taken by the enormity of the world’s problems. I dialed down and rested. I share the quote above from the Talmud as I think it is perfect for us who work, fund, or support those in need. Resting does not have to mean shutting people down entirely or shutting our activities down completely. We do not want to become detached; nor do we want to feel as if the entire burden is on our shoulders. It is too heavy a weight to bear. But we can slow down, turn off our computers for a while, and take a long walk outdoors, visit with friends, play in the snow, read a book, pursue anything that brings us peace and joy.
That is my wish to you for the season as you reflect upon the past year and set intentions for the new one. Peace in knowing that your efforts to do good in the world are meaningful. And the joy that comes from enjoying the all the beauty the world has to offer.