.“In token of the love which thou hast shown for this wide land of freedom, I have named a province vast, and for its beauty famed, by thy dear name to be hereafter known. Alberta it shall be!” These are the first five lines of a composition by Governor General Lord Lorne as to why he chose the name “Alberta” for the former District of Assiniboia in 1882. Lorne named this province after his wife, Louise Caroline Alberta, fourth daughter of Queen Victoria.
I love searching out the history of how today has been impacted by yesterday. I am also aware that what happens today has the potential to influence tomorrow. Appreciating the freedom and beauty of this region and in loving honour of his wife, the Marquis of Lorne named this province, Alberta, one hundred and thirty-four years ago. My wife and I are discovering many reasons to also love this western province.
As followers of Christ, we reflect upon the teaching He delivered to His first century listeners. “You are the salt of the earth.
We are all writing history by our choices, behaviours, actions and attitudes of these present days. For a very long time, the year 2016, shall be noted in the historical sketches of northern Alberta, particularly the city of Fort McMurray. The flavour of the sketches shall depend upon how we are helping each other to live “above the circumstances”, not simply “under the circumstances”. Attitude affects altitude! Continuing fires of passion to care for others and floods of generosity for one another, shall guarantee that those who read the history books long after we are gone, will marvel at how our responses and decisions of 2016 linger on into their future.
As followers of Christ, we reflect upon the teaching He delivered to His first century listeners. “You are the salt of the earth. You are the light of the world – like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.” Matthew 5:13-16. May those who follow after us have reason to be thankful that we had once passed through