The Subtleties of Courage

Sometimes the subtleties of courage betray the depth of the bravery. There’s a lovely community event each year where we live, a random collection of people who, for whatever reason can’t be with family or friends, come together for Christmas Lunch. 

There are plentiful examples of generosity, kindness and looking out for one another from this celebrated event; from the organisers who devote so much time and effort in planning and cooking a traditional lunch, to the businesses who make donations, to the volunteer helpers, to the drivers who collect those that could otherwise not make it. 

It was the unexpected that struck me; the courage several of the older generation showed. In overcoming pride to accept the invite & in facing the nerves to make themselves walk into a full room of people unknown to them. That was an inspiring demonstration of strength, all the more poignant for being so understated. The occasional request for a glass of wine to help relax into the event was both understood & heartedly met.