Growing like the garden on Canada Day

I do love living in Canada... but I am only too aware of the way our country is divided right now between those who want to fight for the freedoms they feel have been trampled because of past health mandates and the collapsing economy, and those who wish the freedom convoy folks would go to Ukraine and come to an understanding of how free we Canadians actually are. 

I am also very mindful of how the establishment of Confederation 155 years ago was a trampling of the rights of our First Peoples, and the centuries of pain inflicted on them by colonists (European settlers and everyone who came after) make it hard to feel like celebrating.

So I am having a low-key Canada Day, putzing around in my garden between rain showers, and moodling in my mind about this beautiful stolen land we call home, and ways to live in appreciation of the freedom many of us enjoy as Treaty People. We have much to be grateful for, but also many reparations to make. There's much to ponder as we try to heal the divides among us, to welcome truth and work for reconciliation, and to be open to newcomers fleeing places of conflict. 

Happy Canada Day. May we all open our hearts to listen to one another, and create cooperation and healing in our country.

In the meantime, I thought I'd share two videos that show how much things can grow in one month. Can we grow bigger hearts as Canadians the way my fava beans grow? I think so.

When freedom is misused

My heart is broken for what is happening in our country right now.

The very idea of freedom is being misused.

Freedom is a gift, not an entitlement.

Freedom does not mean being able to do whatever I want.

Freedom comes with responsibility to care for the most vulnerable in our midst.

I know too many people who have died of Covid-19.

I would argue that lives, not money, are what need to be defended right now.

The lives of our seniors, little ones, burnt out and exhausted heathcare workers, our vulnerable communities throughout the country, and all who are unable to be vaccinated.

People who are unable -- not unwilling -- to be vaccinated.

Yes, people are free to complain when they don't like things. 

But demanding their way when it endangers other people is just plain self-absorbed, selfish, sinful.

As a society it seems we've gotten used to having our own way -- and forgotten, or chosen to ignore the concept of sacrifice for the common good.

Which value is higher? Living without a mask? Or living, period?

Personal freedom? Or love for one another?

I don't know about you, but I know that love is the bottom line.

And love extends even to those we disagree with.

It's just really hard to love someone when you can't talk with them because the horns are too loud.

And even if we could talk, would anything change?

Are we at a stalemate?

Or would you like to tell me how you're feeling about your freedom at this moment?

My heart is broken for what is happening in my country right now.

So I think I'll listen to my wise friend, Farley, once again -- and pray for love to turn all us hard cases into soft hearts... so we can find common ground once more.