I’ve heard people criticise others for having false hope. While we mustn’t be naïve about present realities, I believe in the phrase ‘this too shall pass’. I’m speaking primarily about the current economic climate and the downturn in real estate values.
Last year’s fire was a traumatic event and it is still affecting the lives of many of our fellow ‘McMurrayites’. Indeed, we must do all we can to help and support those of us we know who could use a helping hand - especially those who actually need help, but pretend they don’t.
Undoubtedly, some folks are having rough experiences but it is nothing this community can’t overcome through united support. There’s something about the ‘we’re all in this together’ spirit that both encourages and motivates us to keep plugging away UNTIL change happens.
We can get by with less money; we can do without some luxuries, but hope is one commodity we need - not only to survive, but to thrive.
The first time I came to Fort McMurray it was a bone chilling -35C in February of 1979. Boy, it was like flying into the wild frontiers after leaving the comforts of our life in Toronto! But it wasn’t long before we fell in love with the pioneer spirit of the town.
Fort McMurray has seen its ups and downs, and while admittedly this season is probably among the toughest, it is not fatal! The oil companies are still making money, the plant sites are not going anywhere, there are still opportunities to make a living.
I’ve helped quite a few people buy their first home this year already. I always ask how long they intend on staying and nearly all say they’re here until they retire. They’re in it for the long haul.
That’s encouraging to hear. Why? Because these are mostly young people who regard Fort McMurray, not just as a place to make a fast buck but somewhere to settle down and call home.
So in keeping with the ‘hope springs eternal’ theme of this blog, I took three of my grandchildren into the charred woods not far from their home in Prairie Creek and we planted a spruce seedling. My granddaughter Afton took the picture of me with her brother Judah and sister Lucy.
“We reap what we sow” is as much a law in the natural realm as Newton’s laws of gravity. Now’s not the time to quit being generous with our time, talents, money. Now’s the time to sow towards a great harvest of blessing for our families and our community.
Paul Cairns