Yesterday was Canada Day 2018.
It was a great day. Early golf with Janet at McCleery, a little rest and a sort of wild movie at the local theatre. The day became more and more fair as the hours went by. It was truly another gorgeous day by the sea.
Today is not officially Canada Day, but it is a day when Canadians take a little vacation. And the weather cooperated once again. (We have had many, many beautiful days this spring and early summer.) We got going slowly and then went to the driving range to sharpen up our games. And, then a stop-off at the nursery to find a few plants for Janet’s patio garden. Quite an assortment came with us in the car, including a great tomato plant that may deliver a number juicy fruits in the weeks ahead.
With these Canada Day celebrations and pauses, it is good to think about all of Canada’s days….and nights. As history as evolved, we as Canadians have been fortunate to have a cultural make up that is largely sane, sensitive and kind. The world has had many twists and turns. There have been many moments of peace, and many, many wars and conflicts. The nature of human beings has fostered conflict. It has fostered a number of brutal events. Many people have died through these conflicts, both in the armies and in the civilian populations. We really do have trouble “learning” from the conflicts. We allow megalomaniacs to gain power, to make decisions, to rule in such a way that sensibility and compassion are lost. After each major conflagration, we reset, but we never truly learn as a species.
Canada is a small bubble of humanity.
We are a people with bigger ears than mouths. We are people with bigger hearts than testicles. We are people with bigger souls than muscles. We are leaders in understanding diversity, equity, equality, inclusiveness, and rectification. With all of the turmoil, the bad examples, the rapid-fire media, the “me” syndrome, and the desire for predominance by self-absorbed leaders in this world, we must stand on guard for Canada. We must maintain our values. We must love and respect each other and all of the other vulnerable peoples on this planet. We must make all days…..and nights a reflection of the best of Canada. Be engaged. Push for what is right. Be civil. Hug your neighbours. Hug your children. Hug your spouse. Hug people who are strangers. Laugh out loud.