Canada Day celebrations are fun. It’s the one time all year, we feel comfortable expressing our pride in being Canadian. Usually we see no reason to flaunt the reality that we live in a wonderful country, although some of us do fly a Canadian flag in our yard. When we travel to another country, we bring along flag lapel pins to give away, or wear our T-shirt with a moose wearing a tiny Canadian flag. Most of the time we save our enthusiasm for July 1^st.

This year let’s add some new traditions to our yearly party. Let’s nurture our appreciation of the beauty, peace and freedom in our blessed Canada.

Set aside your complaints and criticisms. Forget about being humble. Write down the wonders of Canada – the places of spectacular beauty that you have visited or read about, the moments of joy you have experienced here, the people who have blessed your life. Let them soak into your heart.

1. Make appreciating Canada a family project. Create a collage with pictures and words to illustrate the beauty of Canada and our citizens. Get everyone’s input – children, parents, grandparents, friends. Hang your collage on the fridge or frame it for your wall.
2. Write a poem or a song that speaks of your pride in being Canadian. Share it with others.
3. Give God thanks for our nation. Ask God to give our leaders wisdom and strength. Ask God to help you become a blessing for Canada, for Peterborough, for everyone you meet.
4. This year, make a commitment to be the best Canadian citizen you can be.

“Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honourable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” (Philippians 4:8 NRSV)