I wrote this originally late in 2020, but I’ve revisited it this week because I needed a reminder.

If you spend enough time along the North Saskatchewan River, you run the possibility of coming across tiny flecks of gold dust in the sediment along the river. I've never gone gold panning in the river, but I know that there are hobbyists who have developed the skills to find value from places that are not obvious. They will dig a small amount of sand from the river, place it in a dish, and shake it around with water until the gold separates from the mud, sand, or clay.

An excellent metaphor for 2020-21. We've learned a great deal about people this year and how they respond under pressure. When I'm discouraged about the results of these years, I try to remind myself that most people did their best to show care for others. Gold rising to the surface.

Thank you for enduring.

Thank you for wearing a mask.

Thank you for checking in on your friends and family.

Thank you for supporting local businesses.

Thank you for cheering on front-line workers.

Thank you for supporting the vulnerable.

Our city, our province, and the country is full of good people. I'm happy to re-build if I get to do it with you.

Though the pressure is great, don’t get tired of doing good.