I am hoping for better as we bid farewell to 2016
with a strong sense of decency and community spirit.
I am always delighted, though no longer surprised, to meet so many people here who care so much about our town and what happens here.
Fantastic volunteers who quietly work away all year in so many charitable community groups, or who at specific times – like Christmas – pull out all the stops to make sure that others are not unduly disadvantaged or suffering hardship.
It was moving to again be at the handover of the Christmas Giving Tree gifts from EDF in East Kilbride to South Lanarkshire Council Social Work Department.
More gifts than ever before, beautifully presented, for wee children through to young adults.
All these gifts had been donated and wrapped by the EDF staff who were determined that everyone should have something to open on Christmas morning.
I know that other groups across the town, primary schools, our college, the Greenhills Ladies’ Natter Group, the Salvation Army and many others, were doing the same.
Even before talking about gifts, there were those making sure that families and single people had a decent meal on Christmas Day.
For Loaves and Fishes, it’s the busiest time of the year and, yet again, the South Lanarkshire Deer Group have come up trumps, supplying roevenison Christmas packs to the Churches Foodbank.
There are all sorts of reasons why there are gaps to fill for some folks at this time of year.
It is becoming more so though – that cannot be denied by anyone – and thank goodness we have good people doing good work.
In the spirit of the festive season, and looking out for one another, I was drawn to the Scottish Government’s Global Citizenship: Scotland’s International Development Strategy, which articulates the vision of Scotland’s place in the world as a good global citizen.
This contribution, from the Scottish Government, is in addition to the funds Scotland contributes to the UK to fund the work of the Department for International Development.
It outlines the work we do in our partner countries of Malawi, Rwanda, Zambia, and Pakistan.
So many schools, churches and other organisations and individuals in East Kilbride fundraise for projects in these countries too.
Scotland has a distinctive contribution to make and we do that with gusto.
Yes, today’s world is hectic and very often difficult.
It is important we pause and catch our breath.
Christmas and Ne’erday season is one such time.
I am blessed to have family and friends to share that time with.
If only it were like that for everyone.
My 2016 wish is that 2017 brings more peace and understanding into our world, and a fairer shout for people home and abroad.
I hope it brings you what you wish for too. Here’s to 2017.