In doing so, I am mindful that some of us will find it extremely difficult to be cheerful, at this time of year, because of having to cope with the challenges of loss, of one kind or another.
No one can fill the void that may exist for many of us, but, because I have confidence in the ability of the human spirit to transcend the obstacles that confront and the troubles that assail, it is my hope that individuals and communities will rally, in order to provide the impetus necessary for the hurting and despairing among us to carry on.
It would be dishonest to pretend that all is well, on all fronts, and, because it is Christmas, simply gloss over the egregious and burgeoning negative situations that have become part of the fabric of our society. That cannot serve us well.
We must recognize, in the manifestations of discourtesy, for example, on the roads, no less now, than at any other time of the year, and in our treatment of one another, that a deep malaise has set in.
It is something that should give us pause for thought and impel us to a determination that we must do something, individually and as a national community, to reverse our situation.
I am well aware that there are many who are doing their part to make a difference, for good, within their communities and beyond, whether on their own or as members of a group.
They labour with unceasing commitment and their work is hardly known outside of their circle. In other words, they are not necessarily on the national stage.
I applaud them for their Christmas spirit of giving, which continues throughout the year.
They, the salt of the earth, by their understanding, their duty and their unfeigned love, are striving to return us to a kinder, more peaceful society. It is a goal in which we must all find and fulfill our part, without fanfare.
The year 2010 will soon pass into history. While we may set ourselves timetables for achievements in 2011, New Year resolutions ring hollow if we are not prepared to be responsible in areas that are our concern.
We should refrain from contributing dangerous emissions to the disaster of global warming and while this is true and very serious for our physical environment, it is equally so in the context of how we conduct our business, as a
country.
It is my hope that, at every level of our society, we get clarity as to where we stand and how we stand, in our space; what are the steps necessary to move us from stasis, where it exists and what are the elements which indeed can still provide a solid platform for building, in spite of challenges, some of which we share with the rest of the world, but many of which are peculiar to ourselves.
In closing, I encourage all of us to keep in mind the achievements of ordinary people who have done extraordinary things that have had good effect at home and have also been responsible for giving us a respectable profile, in other places. This must be a torch to light our way in the New Year.
My family joins me in expressions of goodwill towards each and every one of you, with the hope that the year 2011 will go far beyond your best expectations.
May God bless our nation!
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