Since my last piece in The Diocesan Times on the topic of loneliness much has happened in our communities that has called on us to act, to reach out and to help our neighbours in big and small ways.
We have responded to fundraisers in support of the victims of the wildfires and, more recently, the flash floods; we have offered prayers and goods to alleviate their situations; we have offered huge “thank yous” to all the first responders, road crews and those working behind the scenes. Many have been involved on many different levels. With this common sense of purpose people have felt united and possibly less alone. 
The Lord will guide you continually, and satisfy your soul in drought, and strengthen your bones; you shall be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail. (Isaiah 58:11)
This summer I have become aware of the little things that make a difference in the lives of others that, in some way, address the issues of isolation and loneliness.
Close friends, visiting from the Mediterranean, were pleasantly surprised that a great number of people thank the bus driver when they disembark from a Halifax Transit bus. What a great way to let someone one know that their work and life are valued. Although a bus driver sees hundreds, if not thousands of people a day, it could be a very lonely job.
One of our grandchildren travelled on a plane recently and reported that she had “pulled-a-Granddad;” that is to say she struck up a conversation with the stranger sitting beside her and in the process found they had many things in common. She learned a great deal about his profession, firefighting, which coincidently is what she is aspiring to do. It could have been an isolating ride but instead her engagement with her fellow traveller was encouraging to her and quite possibly a pleasure for her seatmate as well.
Over the past number of months, a church member organized meals to support a family in which one of its members was experiencing dementia. Dealing with dementia can be a very lonely experience for all involved, for the individual him/herself and the caregivers. A meal and a visit provided an opportunity for conversation, a deeper understanding of the emerging issues in their lives, and some welcome support and relief for everyone.
It is well-known that pets are very beneficial to many in combatting isolation and loneliness. There are a lot of dogs in our neighbourhood and although we do not have a dog, I enjoy meeting dogs and having a chat with their owners, whether I know them or not. These encounters provide an opportunity to meet people and to establish links with other members of the community.
A woman from our church community who is in a home for seniors writes wonderful newsy notes to her friends in her home community. It is a joy to receive and read them and to still feel connected to her. She lets people know that she is thinking of them and that she appreciates something they have done, that they are still a part of her world even though she may not get to see them very often. And of course, she loves to receive notes in return.
Taking the time to send thank you cards, writing notes of support, making concerned phone calls and sending texts and emails, is time well spent. Doing so lets people know that they are not alone in their situations and struggles, that there are those who care and appreciate them.
Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. (Galatians 6:2)
Summertime is traditionally a time for increased visiting and welcoming visitors both from away and those from within the community. This summer has been a year of visitors and visiting for us; perhaps this is because everyone is feeling the freedom of having the covid pandemic mostly behind us. Being connected, appreciated and loved are keep us all going. It is affirming to look around and take notice of all the little things that have been happening in our neighbourhoods, little things that help to draw us together. It is an old but meaningful adage: take the time to stop and smell the roses!
