Caring Never Goes Out of Style

I like seeing the piles of white, freshly moved snow that hasn’t yet been adulterated with sand and salt; and the sparkling ground as the light hits it just right.  I also appreciate that first outdoor breath as I inhale the subzero air and my lungs miraculously warm it and send it on its way through an exhale that creates steam ribbons around my head and neck.  Oh, and the sound of the snow crunching under the weight of my body as my hiking boots effortlessly grip the ground and help me keep moving—I love that sound.

As the snow and wind was doing its thing over the weekend, we were out in it—running errands, playing with the dogs, moving snow, making snowballs.  That might sound crazy to some and at our house it makes the next part all the sweeter.  After everyone has had their fun outdoors, we come inside, hang up all the gear to dry, build a fire in the fireplace and hunker down.  Cozy blankets to nestle under, the smell of wood and a pot of vegetable stew cooking, the sound of a tea kettle whistling—these are all the things we enjoy when we are staying cozy.  There’s an amazing feeling of safety and caring in this place.

While we were busy staying cozy, we couldn’t help but talk about all those who may not be having the same experience—those without heat, or adequate warm clothing and blankets, those without enough nutritious food to eat, and those in unsafe or neglectful circumstances. It’s humbling. With each need that is met another need is identified.

At times I have wondered if we, our own family as well as everyone else who contributes to Radiant Health is really making a difference.  There will always be a child who needs a safe place to sleep.  There will always be an adult who is coming to terms with abuse they experienced as a child.  There will always be folks living on the fringe as generational poverty keeps hold of them like crabs in a bucket and informs their behavior in ways contrary to finding personal financial freedom.  Unfortunately, these challenges have been with us since the beginning of time and will remain with us until the end of time.  This doesn’t mean we should give up.  What I’ve realized is the need for caring never goes out of style.

Radiant Health has been meeting the needs of families for 100 years this year and it’s through each of you, and those who came before you, that this was and is possible.  As we welcome in 2019, pause and consider all the ways you have and can Change Lives for Good.  Follow and join us throughout 2019 as we celebrate and push to serve even MORE children and families in innovative and impactful ways.  Let’s make 2019 our BEST year yet!