How can I begin to describe Canada – the second largest nation in the world in landmass, home to millions of lakes and poutine-loving people? Whose citizens are typically stereotyped as being friendly and polite, which, for the most part, is true… until you encounter the gridlocked traffic in Vancouver, Toronto, or Halifax. Or until you give them a hockey stick and put them on the ice against an opponent… *coughs*
For a nation so large, so naturally stunning, and so wealthy, who would guess that our national animal is a furry little rodent who has long teeth and a big, flat tail? Or that Toronto could be so grammatically incorrect as to have a hockey team named the Maple Leafs?
Canada has always had a special place in my heart, not only because it’s the country I was born and raised in, but also because I’ve seen her go through many challenges. These challenges have not only occurred in the history books, but also in my relatively short lifetime. Yet time after time, she's come out stronger than before.
I’ve seen a multitude of stances of Canadians at the polls. Our politeness when ordering their usual Tim's run. Our resilience and patriotism when faced with threats to our sovereignty, home, and very identity as a people, all of which has only gotten bolder and more passionate in recent times.
I’ve witnessed her class and eloquence on the world stage (despite the occasional embarrassing moment…). Her wealth of natural resources and stunning geographic wonders - from the majestic mountains in the west, the seemingly endless prairies, the bitter yet beautiful and resilient North, the delightful Maritimes, and everything in between - have long amazed me. It beautifully reflects Canada's motto, A Mari usque ad Mare, which is taken from Psalm 72:8. I've learned of our ingenuity and resourcefulness in the early days, back when the now-sovereign nation was Britain’s largest colony, and seen the beauty a multi-cultural population can bring.
That many of our Founding Fathers built this nation on the principles and standards of the best possible thing, God’s Word, has been a tremendous source of pride for me.
All of this and more has repeatedly made me think, "Wow! She is an incredible country."
And I want to share this passion with you this summer.
Over the next few weeks, The Remnant will be doing a series of articles, short stories, creative nonfiction, and more about Canada. From digging deep into the pages of history to highlighting real life stories of Canadians, the young Canadian writers I am thrilled to introduce this summer have written some tremendous posts I can’t wait for you all to read.
So come along for the celebration of the true north strong and free (and bring your friends!). It’s going to be a great summer!
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