Remembering…..
Several things come to mind as I sit down to write this column. The first one is a great thank you to the young man who surprised me at the Winkler Co-op Gas Bar recently. As I stood in line to pay for my purchase, he says hang on I have something for you.
He pulls out an envelope from the cash drawer and hands me a 20 dollar bill. I knew instantly why because some days ago, I had lost a 20 dollar bill, but of course I didn’t know where. This young man had seen it drop, and this particular day gave it back to me. Thanks my friend and great servant at the pumps.
Secondly, Remembrance Day and the little red flower. The more I see things changing in the world, with refugees walking to other countries looking for places to tap into high speed internet, food and places to sleep, and governments changing hands, I’m more thankful than ever for those men and women who gave up everything so we today still have freedom to worship and make a living the way we so choose.
I can still see the pictures of my Uncle Peter dressed in his soldier’s uniform trudging off to war. He and his family were the fortunate ones because he came back alive. Nevertheless, his sacrifices and all the rest stick out in my mind.
Then as I walk through the Bethel Heritage Park in our home city of Winkler, MB, first thinking back of the people who first built the hospital, then ran it, maintained it, and then those who looked after the patients, I’m thankful of that too. Not to mention the time my wife Judith worked there as a nurse and nursing administrator, and how often people she looked after have stopped to thank her for the kindness, care, and help she offered and gave.
Then walking down the various paths, reading the names of the people who came to Canada looking for a place of hope, and just recently reading the one of the Jewish settlers, and how the Mennonites and Jews came together, worked together, and served together, making this the place it is today.
Also, about our forefathers and their families, starting churches, schools, old folks homes, credit unions, creameries, and other industries giving the local people a place to work and provide for their families in turn.
Of course, the industry I serve, farming and agriculture, can’t forget the people who had vision to turn much of this barren land into solid productivity not only to feed ourselves, but millions of people around the world.
And guess what, those same farmers, and blacksmiths, and welders, and people who simply saw how mechanization would produce more, make it easier on themselves, their families, and others, designed and made tools with their hands to do just that.
Often farmers would call me and say I have a story to tell. Guess what I did, and still do today, yes, pick a date, time when it is convenient for me to come over, but make sure it is around a meal time.  So much better to sit around the table, enjoy a home-cooked meal, and hear their story unfold from the various family members, or sometimes even relatives, and a hired hand or two.
I must admit, while thrilling to travel around the world, and talk to politicians, dignitaries, and company executives, visiting with and talking to farmers continues to be the highlight of my work today. Contrary to the opinions of some people, I interview farmers with all kinds of farms, sizes, make and model, colour of the paint and politics, and colour of their face.
I must admit, uncovering stories about the use of new technology, new uses of old equipment, new farming techniques and practises, do run a close second in what I do.
Last but not least, the faithfulness of our forefathers in how they and the church leaders, while not wearing it on their sleeves, put their faith in Almighty God to use and practise, and how I believe that still sustains us today.
The prayers and faithfulness of those people is part and parcel of why God blesses us today and allows us to live in the kind of place we enjoy today. Yes we need to be cognizant of others, and I think the 45 plus flags of people representing the different countries they come from are a great testament to that.  •