Oh Canada....

Wednesday, July 1. Brought back many memories of Canada Day celebrations that we attended when I was a kid. Mom & Dad would pack us up and we'd head down to the park. We'd lay out the blanket, can't remember if there were snacks or not (Amanda, can you remember??!), and watch spectacular fireworks with everyone else. The crowds would be large and friendly (I think!) and we'd get to stay up way later than normal. I always loved it.

And today is no different. I love my country. I love standing with the people of my country and for those moments of anticipation leading up to and those moments during the fireworks, being united in pride for the country we have the privilege of living in. This truly is a beautiful country...filled with incredible people. I am reminded day after day of how great God is, how amazing the works of His hands that He has created a country, a world, as diverse as ours...filled with such extraordinary beauty.

But my heart is sad to think that in many ways we have forgotten where we came from. We've forgotten that we were a country that was meant to provide better lives for all who came to land upon her shores. A country that began with God in the middle of it all. I wonder, if we started to sing our nation's anthem with all the verses included, would we remember? Would we come back? Would God once more become the Ruler Supreme of our land? Would we as a country find our reward in Him? I don't know. But I am going to remember. And I am going to redirect my gaze towards the One who has made this land I live in. It starts with one...am I going to be the only one? I don't think I am...and I certainly hope I won't be. But in order to bring about a change we ourselves have to be catalysts of that change, and to make ourselves available to be used in whatever way and place God asks us to. It is only when we start answering the call that we will truly find our rich rewards.

O CANADA
O Canada! Our home and native land! True patriot love in all thy sons command. With glowing hearts we see thee rise, The true north strong and free! From far and wide, O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.
God keep our land glorious and free! O Canada, we stand on guard for thee. O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.

O Canada! Where pines and maples grow, great prairies spread and lordly rivers flow, how dear to us thy broad domain, from east to western sea, thou land of hope for all who toil! Thou true north, strong and free! O Canada, we stand on guard for thee. O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.

O Canada! Beneath thy shining skies may stalwart sons and gentle maidens rise to keep thee steadfast through the years from east to western sea, our own belovèd native land,
our true north strong and free! O Canada, we stand on guard for thee. O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.

Ruler supreme, who hearest humble prayer, hold our dominion in thy loving care. Help us to find, O God, in thee a lasting rich reward, as waiting for the better day, we ever stand on guard. O Canada, we stand on guard for thee. O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.