“The first chirps of the waking birds mark the “point vierge” of dawn under a sky as yet without real light, a moment of awe and inexpressible innocence, when the Father in perfect silence opens their eyes. They begin to speak to Him, not with fluent song, but with an awakening question that is their dawn state, their state at the “point vierge.” Their condition asks if it is time for them to “be.” He answers “yes.” Then, they one by one wake up, and become birds. They manifest themselves as birds, beginning to sing. Presently they will be fully themselves, and will even fly. Meanwhile, the most wonderful moment of the day is that when creation in its innocence asks permission to “be” once again, as it did on the first morning that ever was.” -Thomas Merton

I have a confession - I am not a morning person. I’m not even a night owl. I’m a midday person. Some people lose their energy flow in the afternoon - that is usually when I get going. However, there are a few times in the year (i.e. camping) when I wake early. Waking early can be a valuable spiritual discipline because it allows us to begin the day with a sense of peace, purpose, and attentiveness to God. Before the demands of work, family, and responsibilities begin to compete for our attention, the quietness of the morning provides an opportunity for prayer, reflection, and reading Scripture.

Many believers throughout history have found that the early hours create space to hear God’s voice more clearly and to dedicate the day to His service. I think that is what Trappist monk and mystic Thomas Merton is getting at when he talks about “point vierge” (French for “virgin point”). A time and place where our hidden selves, our soul, is in a state where it can better connect to God, unaffected by personal ego and the distractions of the day.

There is also something about the beauty of the morning itself that nurtures spiritual growth. Watching the sunrise, listening to birdsong, or simply enjoying the stillness of a new day reminds us of God’s faithfulness and creativity (see last week’s article ‘This is the Day’). Ask yourself: “How do I feel when I wake up? Where is my focus in the morning? Do I see the day as a fresh gift from the Creator? Could it be better?”

Anyone who has lived in Manitoba for any length of time knows that the summers are the most cherished time of the year. The warm summer days coupled with sunlight well into the evening make it one of the best places to live during the summer months. And for those Manitobans who do not relish winter activities or sometimes bone chilling weather, Manitoba summers are the payoff for enduring the winters.

One of the things that makes Manitoba summers truly special are the hundreds of community events that happen across the province. Having travelled around Manitoba during my time as an elected representative, I have had the opportunity to take in many festivals in all parts of the province. What makes them particularly special is that they often are reflective of the culture or the history of the community itself. One need only think of Pioneer Days here in Steinbach which pays tribute to the early Mennonite settlers or the Icelandic Festival in Gimli which celebrates that community’s close connection to the Icelandic culture.

And while the nature of these community celebrations is as diverse as our province itself, there is one common thread that ties them all together. And that is that they are only made possible because of the thousands of people across the province that volunteer to organize and plan. It takes an army of individuals, sometimes working months in advance, to ensure that these festivals happen each year. And often, it is many of the same people who step up year after year to make sure that an annual community celebration can occur.

Whether it is helping to organize a parade or coordinate a street party or help to stage a music festival, the vast majority of people who are involved with these events are unpaid volunteers. They are giving of their own precious summertime to help make their community stronger and, importantly, to create memories for those who live there. While there has sometimes been discussion of trying to quantify the value of all these volunteer hours, it would be impossible. And regardless, the volunteers who we see wearing the bright shirts and carrying clipboards at the events are not doing it for recognition or for reward. It is simply because they want to give back to the community and, hopefully, because it is an enjoyable experience.

Working on the frontline in a domestic violence shelter is fast-paced, emotional, and deeply meaningful work. No two days look exactly the same, but every shift is centered around supporting individuals and families through some of the most difficult moments of their lives.

A typical day in crisis response often includes counselling sessions, advocacy work, referrals, safety planning, and helping clients navigate complex systems and barriers. Counselling sessions are client-led and focus on helping individuals work toward their goals at their own pace. This can include discussing housing, financial supports, healing from trauma, or simply processing life experiences and emotions in a safe space.

Frontline workers also spend a great deal of time connecting clients with resources. This may include writing referrals for counselling, financial assistance, or long-term support programs. Staff regularly help clients search for housing, access community supports, and problem solve through barriers that arise along the way.

When someone first arrives at a shelter, staff recognize that they are often arriving during one of the most overwhelming moments of their lives. The first priority is helping the individual feel safe and supported. Clients are welcomed with compassion, offered clean clothing, water, and space to breathe and process. Intake conversations happen at the client’s pace, recognizing the importance of trauma-informed care. Staff also provide tours of the shelter and welcome items such as hygiene products and comfort items to help create a sense of safety and care.

Just like its network television inspiration, the Tim Hortons Brewed to Win Amazing Race event is set to run on Saturday. The event is entering its seventh season, with this being the second year where entry is open to teams from the community and not just local businesses.

“After setting up the pit stops around the city for the racers, hosts and onlookers kept asking us ‘Hey! how do we get involved in this?’” said event chairperson Jorge Sousa.

“We had to open it up to meet demand and of course boost the awareness for some great causes like the cancer support crew. It started off as a way to show employee appreciation, but it was so much fun for those in the community we now invite anyone who can put together a team to join in.”

Sousa, who is the general manager for all three Steinbach Tim Hortons, is no stranger to building community spirit and public awareness regarding great local organizations, as he has also helped coordinate events benefitting the Steinbach Family Resource Centre and Summer in the City.