What I Saw in Ottawa (and why I’ve been thinking about it ever since)

In Iraq, a country again torn apart by war, many government representatives walked out of parliament and didn’t return, refusing even to meet together.

Ukraine’s capital is ordering fighter jets and artillery to attack targets within their own country – if it still is their own.

The capital of Nigeria is preparing for a possible attack after an explosion in a mall only a few days ago.

As Somolia celebrates its independence today, more soldiers have been shot by a mysterious gunman.

In Chile’s capital, there were numerous injuries when police used water canons and tear gas on student protesters.

When we visited our own capital in Ottawa in May, I was struck by what I saw.

People were friendly, helpful, smiling.  And in the cool of the evening, on the lawn on Parliament Hill, couples sat talking and friends played frisbee.  Peace.

Most Canadians are well aware of what is going on in other parts of the world.  Many give and work sacrificially to save lives and bring peace to other countries.  Some have even made the ultimate sacrifice.

But we all know how easy it is to take what we have for granted.  Maybe today we were a little more thankful than usual.

And of course we know that Canada has a lot of problems of its own.  Behind the doors of the neat houses with well-kept lawns, there are often sorrows that would boggle the mind.

And throughout history, many of our country’s builders have recognized that no matter how strong and free Canada would be, it would still be far from the ideal.

Take our national motto, for example.  A Mari Usque Ad Mare – From Sea to Sea – taken from Psalm 72… May He have dominion from sea to sea… picturing a perfect King who would help the poor, protect the needy, and bring righteousness and prosperity.

And the final verse of our national anthem in English… Help us to find, O God, in Thee, a lasting rich reward.  As waiting for the better Day, we ever stand on guard.

So we wait for the better Day.  And in spite of all its problems, we thank God for a capital where families can enjoy a cool evening in peace.  Many would give all they owned to live in a place like that.