THE BLESSING OF CANADA

 

     We just celebrated Canada Day.  It is such a blessing to live in this country.  We are considered the best place to live in the world and St. Albert is one of the best places to live in Canada.  As you read this article for a moment bow your head and say, “thank you, Lord for allowing me to live here and now.”  We live in an amazing time and place.  Think about all the things that we have right now.  One hundred years ago, families were living without radio, T.V. fridges, stoves, microwaves and central heating.  For many they did not electric power, indoor plumbing or internet.  The transportation of that time for many was horse and wagon.  Many lived on rural farms and towns.  Things have certainly changed.

     In my lifetime I have seen many changes.  My first computer was a 286 and I bought it back in 1991.  I thought it was state of the art in that time.  Today we have internet, 5G, phones and so much more.  We can chat with relatives around the world via skype and messenger yet we seem less connected .  We have instant news and food yet we are getting less and less healthy.  We have all the medical advances that make us live longer and yet seem to be getting more bugs than ever.

     Canada has a population of around 37 million.  That is less than the state of California.  We complain about the long winters and the short summers.  Yet the truth is that we are so blessed.  There are billions who would take our place in a moment.  I was reflecting on the goodness of God.  I was born in Southern Alberta close to the mountains.  I grew up admiring the beautiful scenery.  I have lived the majority of my life in Alberta but have had the privilege to be a resident of BC and the NWT.  I have lived in some of the most beautiful spots in Canada.  All because of the goodness of God.

     Canada is a wonderful place. St. Albert is a beautiful city and like Johnny Appleseed said, “God has been good to us.”    People come from all over the world to live here.  Recently I had the privilege of knowing a man who came from Iraq.  He has been here for eight years.  They left just after the US invaded their country.  It took them seven years to get here.  They lived in Syria in refugee camps and life was hard.  Every day we talk he says how grateful he is that he lives in Canada.  Just recently he became a Canadian citizen and voted in his first provincial election.  He was so excited to be able to do that.  He wondered how Canadians who have this freedom could not vote.  His is just one of the many stories I had heard recently.  My own granddaughter just came from the Philippines.  She is amazed everyday about living in Canada.  Her life is so much better.  She has a mom and dad who lived here and are doing everything they can to give her a wonderful life. 

     So today as you reflect on your life here in Canada remember there are a hundred people who would gladly take your place to live here.  When you complain about the weather remember there are many around the world who live outdoors.  When you think about the high cost of living here.  There are people who earn less a day than you spend on a cup of coffee.  When you eat you next meal remember there are people who sometimes only have a meal every couple of days.  When you kiss your children or grandchildren good night at bed time remember are children who have no bed or even parents to love them.  We are so blessed.  I thank the Lord every day for living in Canada and the religious freedom we have.  Every Sunday I get to preach in a church without fear.  I can share my thoughts in this manner and not have to worry about government control or censure.  So today wave your little Canada Flag and thank the Lord that you live here.