It is said that if you make something personal, actually place yourself within it, that thing will have more relevance for you.
“O Canada!
My home and native land!
True patriot love in all thy sons command.
With glowing hearts I see thee rise,
The True North strong and free!
From far and wide,
O Canada, I stand on guard for thee.
God keep our land glorious and free!
O Canada, I stand on guard for thee.
O Canada, I stand on guard for thee.”
I love to sing O Canada, and singing it, among hundreds or thousands of others is just the best. Some of my favorite memories from living in Canada’s national capital of Ottawa, Ontario, are times of singing our nations anthem at Parliament Hill, among the throngs of others proud to be Canadian.
Canada is my home, by birth, and I take seriously the rights and responsibilities that come from such a birthright.
That is correct, rights and responsibilities, not rest and relaxation (in case that is how you interpreted R&R).
To live in this country of Canada is to be blessed with amazing rights and freedoms, many of which are reminiscent of the Magna Carta (MC) of 1215 (England).
The Rights:
- free speech (MC)
- voting
- move throughout the country
- equal treatment under the law
- language (French or English federally)
The fundamental freedoms (Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms):
- conscience and religion (MC)
- thought, belief, expression (including freedom of the press) (MC)
- peaceful assembly (MC)
- freedom of association (MC)
These rights and freedoms make Canada what she is, but not without responsibilities as well.
And what are our responsibilities, as Canadian citizens?
According to the government of Canada, these are:
- to obey the law
- to take responsibility for yourself and your family
- to serve as jury
- to vote
- to help others in your community
- to protect our heritage and environment
These responsibilities are extremely important, if we are to fully know and experience our rights and freedoms. To these responsibilities, I would add one more. This one gives feet to all other responsibilities.
“do to others as you would have them do to you“
Luke 6:31
It is said that if you make something personal, actually place yourself within it, that thing will have more relevance for you.
itsawonderfilledlife 