Hello and belated Happy New Year…
 
I am delighted to be back after a brief break, with this first post for 2026. 
 
The world is changing fast, and in ways that challenge our thinking, our health, and likely our faith.
Having just returned from a two-week, cross-country, choral music tour of Cuba, among other things, my sense of gratitude for life has been renewed. 
To travel, is to learn deeply. I give thanks for the warmth and resilience of the Cuban people. Simultaneously, I wrestle with the ironies, paradoxes, and raw realities that characterize the present day - in a beautiful country which has experienced decades of difficulties from internal and external forces. In this tension, I resort to putting pen to paper. Here is an extract from a piece that is ‘under construction’ -  in honour of the people of Cuba and their indomitable spirit…


RICHES IN POVERTY (EXCERPT)
 
Still the poor laugh hard midst their suffering 
For somehow, they have come to realize
That material wealth and possessions 
Do not constitute life’s ultimate prize
 
As they reach out and lend a helping hand
Unto the lonely, the lame, and the lost
Joy resonates, even in doom and gloom 
Yes, regardless of the physical cost
 
See, their bright countenance is not defined
By earthly experiences, all told
For with minds fixed on things otherworldly
There is richness in the hope that they hold
 
They seek to rise above futile thinking
Indeed, their song and dance will never cease
And with grateful hearts, the poor shout for joy
Then lay their heads down in heavenly peace
 
David McAdam - www.davidmcadam.ca
©2026

#Cuba  #Havana  #music

Happy holidays...
This marks the final post for 2025. What a year it has been!
Wishing you and your loved ones the very best as you, with gratitude, continue to spread hope and good cheer. With thanks for your ongoing support, I share the following piece... 


CHEERFUL SOULS
 
Cheerful souls
Never cease to bear open arms
 
Wilfully embracing abundance
They ponder positive thoughts and shower splendid deeds
As they ever strive to engage in kindliness
With love-filled spontaneity 
 
David McAdam
©2025 - www.davidmcadam.ca
 
#generosity  #kindness  #love
 

Season’s greetings…
As 2025 fast comes to a close, it is only fitting to express thanks for life, and to pay tribute to loved ones who are no longer with us. Below is a short poem in their honour.
And to those who experienced loss during this year: may fond memories, the support of friends, and heaven’s comfort bring strength and solace to you as you walk the valley of grief.
Blessed shalom!


RIPPLES
 
The sun has set; yes, night has come
A brilliant star falls from the sky
And as it disappears from sight
It isn’t a pointless goodbye.
For in still waters where it plunged
Tremendous ripples now appear
They speak well of its influence
Brightening lives year after year. 
And in this hour, with gratitude
I take hope as my thoughts contend 
That the impact of this downed star
Sparks golden ripples without end.
 
David A. McAdam - www.davidmcadam.ca
©2025

#memories  #bereavement  #comfort

Hello… Season’s Greetings!
Christmas merriment fills the air. There are many unique features in the Christmas story, including the mysterious interruptions that occurred. Think about it! There were angelic visits, for example, to Mary and later to shepherds in their fields. And among other remarkable realities was the sojourn of the Magi as they followed a great star to see a promise fulfilled. As the story goes, these interruptions, in sum, marked heaven’s light of love piercing earth’s darkness to bring long-awaited hope and redemptive freedom.
In the case of the lowly shepherds, imagine you were in their situation - going about your business and having your routine interrupted by a host of angels with news of the Incarnate Birth, and the message to not worry or fear.
How might you have responded? What are some of your current thoughts about interruptions? How do you respond to ones which you experience? Could there be more to interruptions than meets the eye?
In closing, here’s an excerpt from a related poem. All the best as you navigate the season with due sensitivity and wisdom. 


INTERRUPTIONS: ADAPTED FROM HENRI NOUWEN (Excerpt)
 
A deep transformation happens in life
When we finally come to realize 
That unexpected occurrences or 
Interruptions are blessings in disguise 
............
Our faith grows as we press on with patience
And deem interruptions part of our call 
Unforeseen happenings heighten wisdom
And somehow bring us great joy overall 
 
David McAdam
©2025 - www.davidmcadam.ca

#timeout  #pause  #keepcalm

Greetings...
Happy December to you and your loved ones. I wish you the very best as you carry on determinedly to promote 'peace on earth and good will towards all people.'


DETERMINATION
 
Courage and resourcefulness keep saying to me:
You can grasp the surrounding chaos and darkness
Then holily make something beautiful thereof
 
David McAdam
©2025
www.davidmcadam.ca
 


#resilience  #willpower  #tenacity

Greetings...
Last Wednesday, I was honoured to attend City Hall for the 2025 Order of Vaughan Investiture Ceremony to celebrate a friend who was among the nine awardees. In our brief post-presentation conversation, the topic of ‘presence’ surfaced, and helped to spark the composition below. A plus to being at the ceremony was bumping into a former student whom I had not seen for thirty years.  What a night!

PERSONAL PRESENCE
 
Personal presence
Is a commitment
A basic discipline 
It’s about showing up, and being real
 
In so doing, we are privileged to affirm fellow sojourners in profound ways. 
It may be through greeting or otherwise acknowledging those we encounter 
Whether during a rejuvenating walk
Or while making a spontaneous purchase
Or some other occasion on which paths cross.
There is potency in simply addressing others by name
So too, a smile, a nod, a handshake, a pat, a hug, or a high-five
Is impactful in its own way
 
We reciprocate kindness
Whether in silence or in speech
Making sure, as we tell our stories
To listen actively, deeply, and attentively to the stories being told to us
So, we can learn with, from, about, and on behalf of each other.
Only then will we see one another as we actually are
And that our greatest growth occurs mutually, in community 
 
By our language
Including our countenance
We express interest and intent
 
Through wisdom, we come to realize
That the spirit of cheerful generosity
Is grounded in empathy and compassion.
Herein is a certain mindfulness
That must pervade all that we do, and are 
 
In this discerning, patient posture 
We become more attuned to prompts from our inner voice 
And we move on with noble purpose.
Even in the trenches with “the least of these” or the lowliest among us 
We necessarily nurture this thinking
In the name of authenticity 
 
Our attention and time are deemed most worthwhile.
The value of these resources appreciates
As they are dedicated to others
 
Verily, we see heaven’s goodness shaping earth 
As we create spaces of welcome and warmheartedness
Where the ‘show-up spirit’ is cultivated and sustained
 
All told, personal presence is a commissioned course.
To be present 
To give firsthand out of sincere love, with no strings attached
Is to really live fully
 
David McAdam - ©2025
www.davidmcadam.ca
www.youtube.com/@d.a.mcadam3538
​
#presence  #reunion  #fellowship  #time  #community #care

Happy day! I trust you are well. This brief Blog presents some questions and verses that I have crafted for joint consideration.

QUESTIONS
1a. As the year draws to a seemingly speedy close, what's one thought that stands out in your pondering? To what end?
1b. Might the subject (of this thought) warrant a response on your part?
1c. If so, what might be necessary to get this done?
2. How are you celebrating your wins of 2025?

REFLECTIVE VERSES
Which of these assorted items resonates most with you?

A. Dry seasons, though trying
Make the soil of our hearts more receptive to new wellsprings
And to the nurturance of more generous blooms

B. Through history we learn to appreciate our heritage
And informedly launch our own legacy

C. Our actions should be predicated on what is just, timely, and right
And be reflective of who we wish we are becoming 

D. In choosing to love unconditionally
We are moved beyond past mistakes
To the realm of wonderment

Kind regards...
©️2025 - www.davidmcadam.ca


#thoughts  #reflections  #wellbeing  #health

Happy day. Here's hoping you are doing fine. Personal health, in all dimensions, is of utmost importance. The piece below focuses on mental health.  Keep courage in cultivating your mindset, the best you can.


WHAT'S ON YOUR MIND
 
As we near the end of another year
We take stock for the time that is pending
And ponder resolutions that we’ve made 
Then review ones that are still outstanding
 
Friend, in all this rests a major query
As you grapple with points of varied kinds 
What presently preoccupies your thoughts? 
Or what is it you most have on your mind?
 
What’s your comfort level, being questioned?
How at ease are you facing your feelings?
Likely this poem will assist in some way
Through honest and transparent reflecting 
 
Perhaps you are simply inundated
With lots to do, but not enough leeway
Or you are sensing a lack of balance
Feeling you’re in overdrive every day
 
Maybe there’s a sense of self-estrangement
Or some losses that will take time to heal
Some regret from a relation gone sour 
A habit or challenge with which you deal 
 
It could be that you’re filled with emotions
Per an action that you’ve been protracting
An appointment that has brought only dread
Or one you might be anticipating 
 
As you make plans, hold things in perspective
Not every hill in sight is worth the climb
Not every battle is yours to contest 
There are integers that take extra time 
 
So too, there’s no use sweating the small stuff
Or incidents beyond your influence 
Therefore, ensure that you are focusing
On what is of lasting significance 
 
Barring distractions, it’s conventional
That we devote our time and attention 
To what is most relevant and valued
And do thusly with noble intention
 
Henceforth stay fixed on truth, while giving thanks
That you have the wherewithal to complete
The mission that’s specifically yours
As you lean on trusted friends for each feat
 
Take pause to celebrate the gift of life
Let not worry dominate your thinking
Declutter your mind and let peace conduct
Its faithful guarding and wise directing
 
Moving forward, implement one thing
And thereafter take one step at a time
Then with gladness and gratitude you’ll see
Successes that defy reason and rhyme 
 
In all of this, everyday life proceeds 
With some things more easily said than done 
Keep your mind open to ongoing change
Never forgetting the gains you have won
 
David McAdam
© 2025 , www.davidmcadam.ca
 www.youtube.com/@d.a.mcadam3538
​
#mentalhealth  #thoughtlife  #wellness
 
 

Hello and happy day…
Remembrance Day (or Veterans’ Day, or Armistice Day) is just around the corner. We honour the heroism of all who have given sacrificially to secure and promote freedom in its fulness. In light of the current socio-political climate, I thought last evening, to compose a poem on ‘memories.’ Here is the initial draft.  I hope you will pause to jot down some of your thoughts on the topic.
Cheers... 
P.S.: Looking ahead, I am reminded of the need to invest mindfully in our youth - not via schooling, but sound education.


THE MEMORIES WE ARE MAKING
 
Throughout this season of remembrance
It is instructive to contemplate 
Not just recollections from old times
But the memories we now create
 
What will future generations think
About how we have chosen to live?
What will be the most distinct features
Whether positive or negative?
 
See, our world, full of great potential
Seems challenged in learning from the past
And regarding the present juncture
By and large, the ‘good guys’ finish last 
 
In this era of complexity
There’s great confusion all around 
With scant regard for differences
Bitter isms and schisms astound
 
Lo, falsity has intensified
And is limiting freedom through fear 
And threats initialized in pockets
Are becoming common everywhere
 
We have cast aside sound reasoning
And normalized nefarious ways
Here, as truth is weighed in the balance
One wonders what this history says
 
In spite of ourselves, we must unite
To nurture a world that will endure
Where memories we make show fairness
In how we treat the weak, and the poor
 
While we honour heroes of times past
Who gave all in the ultimate test
It is vital that we seize the day
And though hard, try to render our best
 
See, the memories we’re bequeathing
Must show our efforts were unbending 
Yes, in this struggle, we can’t forget 
The fight for freedom is unending 
 
David McAdam
© 2025 - davidmcadam.ca
www.youtube.com/@d.a.mcadam3538

#remembranceday   #armistice   #memories

Greetings…
To say the times are unusually challenging is perhaps an understatement. The storm of the century, Melissa, is crossing the Caribbean, having just passed over Jamaica. Our hearts go out to those who have suffered damage or loss of any sort. Congratulations to leaders, in all contexts, for coordinating efforts in preparation for the hurricane, and to civilians and first-responders for following through. 

As a point of reflection, challenges or crises of a personal or societal nature, though potentially devastating, are opportunities for growth. They reveal our strengths and supports, as well as our vulnerabilities and needs. In the aftermath of Melissa, there is an urgent requirement for assistance with recovery. Thanks, in advance, to everyone who will be involved in offering any kind of aid or relief.

Going forward, it is instructive to:
- stay positive, hopeful, and grateful as we learn from each experience;
- take care of ourselves and others, with neighbourly kindness, and not take life or others for granted;
- remember that unity is our strength;
- assume responsibility only for things within our control; and
- ensure that we emerge better, stronger, fairer, and more just - as we express the best of humanity for the present and the future. 

May the petition expressed in this verse of Jamaica’s National Anthem be realized at this trying hour:
"Teach us true respect for all,
Stir response to duty’s call,
Strengthen us the weak to cherish,
Give us vision lest we perish.
Knowledge send us Heavenly Father,
Grant true wisdom from above.
Justice, Truth be ours forever,
Jamaica, land we love."


#Jamaica  #Melissa  #hurricane