I received the biggest lesson of appreciating for my “home and native land” of Canada at the most unexpected of times and in the most unexpected of places and by the most unexpected of people.
In 2002/2003 Sara and I were living on the opposite side of the globe in South Africa. While there we were told of a good day’s hike we should take to a beautiful little waterfall hidden deep within the Drakensberg Mountains. So early on a Saturday morning, we gathered two additional friends, packed ourselves a picnic lunch, made the two hour drive to the mountains, and then embarked on our trek to find this hidden gem. Upon our hike, we rarely saw another face, and were happy to find our destination without any trouble. At the waterfall, we were delighted to have this beautiful slice of heaven for ourselves. Ready for a well deserved rest, we unpacked our lunch and sat quietly enjoying the beauty and tranquility of the site. Our solitude was not to last long, as another party of hikers soon joined us.
The oldest member of this group appeared particularly interested in us, and rightfully guessed some of us were not South African natives. He made his way over and inquired of us as to what foreign land we called home? When Sara and I shared we were from Canada, the gentleman beamed brightly, and indicated, although South African by birth, he emigrated to live in British Columbia several years earlier. Then without provocation, he began expressing to us how much he loved Canada. How moving to Canada was the greatest decision he and his family had ever made. For at least five minutes, he glowed about the Canadian people; Canadian healthcare; Canadian education; Canada’s natural beauty; the lack of government corruption (at least relative to everywhere else), and much more. Then he brought himself to a pause, he became very serious, and looking at us intently he added, “There is only one thing I hate about Canada, one thing I have absolutely no time for in Canada.”
As he paused, we waited with bated breath wondering, what was this one Canadian blemish? With gritted teeth he continued, “I hate, I hate Canadians who…” He bellowed loudly. “And I have no time for any Canadians who complain about their country!” He finished by saying, “I know Canada is not perfect, and there are plenty of things I could easily complain about. But if Canadians could only realize how good they have it, and how special their nation is compared to everywhere else on the planet.” He finished by telling us to remember, “Never forget how lucky you are to be Canadians!”
Every year when Canada Day rolls around I cannot help but think about this unexpected lecture on Canada Sara and I received in the middle of nowhere, in the middle of the South Africa mountains.
Yes, I still agree with this gentleman there are plenty of imperfections in Canada we could easily complain about. And yes, Canada like all nations and all peoples has its skeletons. Yes, Canada is guilty of many sins, and yes, Canada is still filled with many bad actors, and yes, there is always room for reform and improvement. But Canada, on the whole, has been a nation that has sought to learn from its mistakes, and still attempts to create an even brighter future. Despite these obvious realities, I cannot help but also recognize two important truths:
First, this side of Glory, there will be no utopian paradise on earth, and every attempt in history to bring one about has only turned into nightmaric hellscapes.
Secondly, because of this gentleman’s wisdom, I cannot help but cringe, every time I turn on the news with what seems like 24/7 coverage of negativity towards this country. And I cannot help but cringe every time one of my kids comes home from school with another assignment that is focused on finding either a past or present grievance Canada is guilty of, with little focus on how to offer healing, but to use the grievance as an excuse to demand someone else do something about it. We will alway work to improve what we love, but if we are not careful, we will destroy what we have been taught to hate. Let us lovers of God also be lovers of the land he has given us!
When one takes a simple glance through history and at most of the world today. The history of any nation during any time period, has largely been a story of oppression, exploitation, and corruption beyond anything most in Canada could fathom. Think of the Biblical history of Israel and their kings. If ever there should have been a shining light of a nation in history, it should have been ancient Israel. Out of the forty-two kings listed for both the southern and northern kingdoms, only eight to ten could in anyway have been considered remotely good. Even over this last century, where the results of the worlds most enlightened minds, who promised to create for humanity Marxist utopias, instead created systems so tyrannical they would have made ancient pharaoh’s and emperors blush.
Canada is by no means heaven on earth, but it is a pretty special place. There is a reason why people all over the world will sacrifice everything to become Canadian citizens (and I have met many people who have shared their incredible stories of coming here); and there is a good reason why Canadians are in no hurry to leave (*except to go to Florida for the winter). Like our South African friend who reminded us, there is much to be grateful for as Canadians. Let’s remember how fragile nations are, and let us with grateful hearts “stand of guard” and humbly pray, “God keep our land glorious and free.”
I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone — for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. 1 Timothy 2:1–4
