The introduction of a new calendar to the desk, or the recognition of a new number at the end of the date on a computer or cell phone seems to signal the possibility of change or hope for many. There seems to be a connection with the term “new year” that carries the inference that the old year with all of its tragedies, difficulties or at least boredom is past and there is possibility and hope for the next year.

Personally, I don’t believe I’m that affected by this. I suppose it’s because I am a more visual or experiential person. For me to be refreshed the sun needs to shine or spring needs to arrive. I can be driving in a snowstorm, have the sun break through and find not only my mood change but even my outlook on life will turn more hopeful and optimistic.

The changing of the date for me is simply technical and provides no real evidence of change, whereas the sun and changing seasons provide some physical evidence to my sensory perception that somehow my feeble brain interprets as hope or at least the possibility of positive change to come.

For those of you who find the rolling over to a new year a stimulus for hope it probably is largely due to fundamentals of western society that form a backdrop to our lives. Education, assistance programs, mobility, rest and relaxation, employment opportunities (yes even in challenging times), financial assistance, health programs etc. etc. all are foundational to the hope that comes from the new year.      

However, a significant number of people in our world have no such resources. There is nothing available in any of their senses or knowledge that gives rise to hope for the coming new year. If anything the heartbreaks and challenges of 2010 will drive them deeper towards despair.

As I write this, my hope arising for 2010 comes from my belief that more of us are forming a better perspective on poverty with a new level of responsibility and that our priorities are slowly changing.

Laurie Cook,
C.E.O., World Relief Canada