There are so many things that are going on in our world right now that can cause people to look at Canada as a challenging place to be. There is so much that is wrong with the way our society works, but it is still (in my opinion) the best place in the world to live. I have, as a result of my experiences this year, some insight into how those around the world live, and they compared to almost anywhere else, our amazing country rises above the others.
Here are some of the reasons that I love Canada
1) It was founded upon the principle that people can come to agreement without bloodshed
2) I love that I can vote in elections without fear of intimidation, discrimination, or corruption
3) I love that there is diversity of landscape, weather and cultures
4) I love that no matter where you go in the world, Canadians are respected
5) I love that we are wiling and able to come to the aid of others who are less free. Whether leading peacekeeping missions or combat missions, we effectively use our resources to give to those who need our help
6) I love that as a woman, there are no limitations on my dreams and aspirations
7) I love that whether I agree with you or not, you have the right to spout whatever ignorant, uninformed beliefs that you have.
8) I love that from the Atlantic to the Pacific, Hockey and Tim Horton’s binds us together! And I love that we have exported both to the mission in Afghanistan!
9) I love that a Canadian passport implies “friend” not enemy
10) I love that other nations smile indulgently at our collective naivety in some areas because we have never experienced some of the horrors of things like civil war, deep atrocities, war within our boarders and apartheid.
11) I love that the children in my life are almost guaranteed to never experience starvation, illiteracy, war in their street, or persecution.
12) I love that Canada is not always easy to love, but that she engenders a passionate response in so many people, passionate responses means that people are engaged. Even if it just enough to complain about the weather!
Happy Birthday Canada!
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Saturday, June 27, 2009
You gotta let Jesus water it!
In January I decided that this would be the year of flowers. I was given a dozen roses upon my return from overseas and loved it! In February, I was given a rose plant by a good friend for Valentines Day “so that you will never be without”. This rose plant has been an interesting metaphor for my life in the last few months as I have sought frankly to not kill it! I am not really one you would describe as having a green thumb. I love how flowers look in the house and the joy they bring to my life.
Over the months, this plant has seen good days and bad days. It was thriving nicely and then I went away for a week, I thought it would be OK, but sadly, it seemed worse for wear when I got home! Imagine that! I worked hard with my limited ability to nurse it back to health! Finally, I decided to do something drastic! I got rid of all the dead stuff, and bought a very pretty pot to put it in (I am pretty sure that plants like a pretty pot!) and replanted it with some Miracle Grow potting soil. I asked a few expert types what the best approach was for this poor plant. Finally, the friend who gave it to me asked me where it was in the house. I told her in the kitchen close to the windows that get sun from 2 directions, but that I wasn’t sure how often to water it or anything like that. Her response? “put it outside and let Jesus water it!”
By this point, the plant was little more than thorny twigs in a pretty pot, so I figured I had nothing to lose! Sure enough, this morning when I went out I noticed that it was getting some leaves back on it.
It occurred to me that this is a great example of my life in Christ! Since returning from my experiences overseas, there have been some dry times, there have been times of feeling neglected (maybe even by God) I have felt thirsty and I have for sure felt like I had nothing left. I wasn’t blooming, or seeming to be benefiting anyone, I was just becoming thorny twigs. There have been some moments in the sun and others of dryness I have never experienced before. I have realized that in all this time, there was Someone who was invested in my well-being, who wants nothing more than to see me thrive.
Where this metaphor falls apart, of course, is that my plant didn’t choose to reject, pout or decline the life giving water that was being offered. It didn’t complain that the temperature was not quite what it wanted and therefore questioned my good intentions toward it! Of course, in this experience with God, it could be argued that I did all these things and yet the great Gardener kept at it, pruning, removing the dead leaves, stripping me down to the core of who I am in Him. He has been teaching me to rely on Him more and more. In all of our circumstances, we can choose to strive, or we can take God at His word that He will take care of the lilies of the field how much more will He take care of us.
Over the months, this plant has seen good days and bad days. It was thriving nicely and then I went away for a week, I thought it would be OK, but sadly, it seemed worse for wear when I got home! Imagine that! I worked hard with my limited ability to nurse it back to health! Finally, I decided to do something drastic! I got rid of all the dead stuff, and bought a very pretty pot to put it in (I am pretty sure that plants like a pretty pot!) and replanted it with some Miracle Grow potting soil. I asked a few expert types what the best approach was for this poor plant. Finally, the friend who gave it to me asked me where it was in the house. I told her in the kitchen close to the windows that get sun from 2 directions, but that I wasn’t sure how often to water it or anything like that. Her response? “put it outside and let Jesus water it!”
By this point, the plant was little more than thorny twigs in a pretty pot, so I figured I had nothing to lose! Sure enough, this morning when I went out I noticed that it was getting some leaves back on it.
It occurred to me that this is a great example of my life in Christ! Since returning from my experiences overseas, there have been some dry times, there have been times of feeling neglected (maybe even by God) I have felt thirsty and I have for sure felt like I had nothing left. I wasn’t blooming, or seeming to be benefiting anyone, I was just becoming thorny twigs. There have been some moments in the sun and others of dryness I have never experienced before. I have realized that in all this time, there was Someone who was invested in my well-being, who wants nothing more than to see me thrive.
Where this metaphor falls apart, of course, is that my plant didn’t choose to reject, pout or decline the life giving water that was being offered. It didn’t complain that the temperature was not quite what it wanted and therefore questioned my good intentions toward it! Of course, in this experience with God, it could be argued that I did all these things and yet the great Gardener kept at it, pruning, removing the dead leaves, stripping me down to the core of who I am in Him. He has been teaching me to rely on Him more and more. In all of our circumstances, we can choose to strive, or we can take God at His word that He will take care of the lilies of the field how much more will He take care of us.
I am looking forward to seeing what else I can put out and just simply let Jesus water!
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