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Mayor’s Christmas Message 2004

By Latrobe Shire Council - 23rd December 2004 - Back to News

"God grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change;
Courage to change the things I can;
And wisdom to know the difference."

While the origin of what is known as the ‘Serenity Prayer’ is very much in doubt, the words having been attributed to writers dating from Cicero right through to authors from the mid twentieth century; the message contained in the prayer is as relevant today as it might have been in Roman times.

Every day we hear of disasters affecting people in some part of the world or another, of war, famine, or a natural catastrophe where hundreds or perhaps thousands of lives are lost. All seem terribly complex and it is natural to feel there is little or nothing we as individuals can do to remedy such problems.

But do we undersell ourselves, when in our own thoughts and aspirations we determine the ‘list’ of those ‘things we cannot change’. Can we in fact engender positive change on issues that affect people on a national or even world level?

The answer is of course yes, and an example of what can be done is demonstrated by the many Australians who are making a big difference to the quality of life for children in a number of countries throughout the world through World Vision or similar schemes.

Those who are contributing through these schemes are each in their own seemingly small way, having an effect and impact on a complex and vast international problem. Through their collective generosity, hundreds of thousands of the world’s children are receiving sustenance, education and improved health.

I am reminded how influential we can all be in making a change for the better by the list of 125 Christmas tips developed by www.ourcommunity.com.au which is an online resource for Australia’s 700,000 community and non-profit groups. The ‘125 Christmas tips’ range from sponsoring a child, to buying an extra can of food at the supermarket to place in the donation bin, or an extra present to place under the ‘wishing tree’ found at many stores at this time of year. There are even tips for those that have no cash to spare but would still like to share what they have with others. I urge you to take a look at the list.

Giving the gift of your own time is another option explored through the 125 Christmas tips. This could be through volunteering time to help a community group or checking whether an elderly neighbour needs help. Another suggestion is that in the aftermath of Christmas, why not find a good use for an unused present that’s likely to just sit in the cupboard, by donating it to a community group to use as a prize in a raffle or fundraiser.

If each of us adopts just one of the 125 ideas developed by www.ourcommunity.com.au, think what a difference we as a community will make on the wider scale.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com