Oh Canada

I'm listening to a broadcast and a number of Canadians mumble their way through the national anthem (mumbling in two languages). But it makes me smile.

I remember celebrating at a local grade school in my home town. I remember being a parade marshall in my university days. I remember sitting with friends other years. But one year still stands out from the others - that year was the first time I celebrated on parliament hill.

I was a co-op student in Ottawa. I was supposed to be working for an oil company in Alberta that summer. But my friend took that job and I went off in another direction. As I sit here tonight, I remember walking through the streets, the massive crowds....and remember one very bold dance troup who split crowds in the street.

It was the most unusual sight amid the balloons and hot dog carts. There was this group, much skilled in mime, but in much more dramatic costume. They portrayed, silently, the passion of Christ. Jesus Christ crucified on the cross. A profound juxtaposition with the festivities of the day. I don't know if the others who watched were affected by their silent but bold proclamation of Jesus, and of God the Father as he looked on his son during the crucifixion. I was deeply moved by the drama before me. Whispers were loudly echoing in my heart the whole time. Twenty years later, it still moves me.

I watch the crowd this year, I wonder if anyone was out touching the hearts of others in a similar way. I know of one friend whose purpose today was simply to share the good news, as a friend.... He does this every day, but today was special for him... I look forward to hearing his stories. "Just seeds," he says. But good seeds. And sometimes, in the hardest of hearts, they take root.

Tonight, I am thankful for those who reached out to me so long ago.