This article is a week overdue but I figure the thoughts that provoked its writing are always relevant. First though, a short explanation as to the delay in sending it to you, my faithful readers and my fabulous editors: I ended up in hospital last weekend and am just getting back to my normal schedule. I'm fine now and incredibly thankful for the great care I received, including a couple stiff doses of morphine.
But back to the thoughts I had seven days ago. Both in Canada and the United States we've recently celebrated our national holidays. Although we Canadians don't seem as overtly patriotic as our neighbours to the south, there are millions of us who never sing our national anthem without a sense of incredible gratitude. Again this week, in light of my being sick, I am so appreciative of the many benefits we enjoy as a citizen of this land and I know my U.S.-based friends and colleagues deeply love their home. No matter if we live north or south of the 49th, there's something soul stirring that ought to accompany the singing of O Canada or The Star Spangled Banner.
Yes, I know, there's a list of complaints (some justified, some "whiney") and no government or leader will ever please everyone. It's truly a case of "you're damned if you do and you're damned if you don't." I just say: Thank God for the right to protest and complain - but in the midst of that, let's always remember to give thanks. There are a host of other countries where my right to say this simply doesn't exist
"he [God the Lord] will speak peace unto his people and to his saints: but let them not turn again to folly." Psalm 85:8
While rising for the national anthem, let's stand for righteousness!
