By Paul Bootsma October9, 2015
This is Canada's Thanksgiving Day weekend, a time of reflection and recognition of what is valued in life. As families and friends gather together on this holiday, it is a good time to ask ourselves, "what am I thankful for in my life?"
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Harvesting is well under way after a growing season of ups and downs. Earlier this year CFFO executive board director Richard Blyleven wrote a commentary on the potential effect weather could have on the 2015 growing season. As usual weather did have an impact, sometimes worrying farmers, but in the end yield results are proving to be satisfactory. We had periods of wetness, drought, cold and heat, but over the course of the season crops received what was needed to produce an average to above average yield.
The CFFO recognizes the privileges we have in this country, where we have the ability to provide for ourselves, our food, shelter and warmth. Many people around the world have far less than we do. In 2014 the CFFO raised funds in support of the Canadian Foodgrains Bank's efforts toward ending world hunger. We have homes and places of shelter, our social programs provide shelter and food for those who are below the poverty line. We live in a prosperous country with many privileges.
In Canada we also have the ability to communicate freely, we are able to present our views to our governments and our community leaders, to discuss concerns and new opportunities. As citizens we should regularly use these opportunities to dialogue with others and within our places of residence. Good discussion results in good policy and oversight. We have the freedom to practice our faith and meet openly as groups or associations and express our opinions.
This weekend provides us with that reminder of what is valuable to us and our lives. Most would agree that it is the people around us who matter most, our families and friends, neighbours and co-workers. One of the most satisfying things in life is being able to help others. In so many ways we have the ability to give to others because of the bounty that we have in this nation. Let us truly be thankful for all we have, for the constant blessings that we receive daily and yearly. Oh give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, His mercy endures forever. (1 Chronicles 16:34)
At CFFO we have the privilege of serving the agriculture industry in Ontario and we see the many positives every year and how special it is to be able to provide the people of this province with their food. It is easy to complain about small issues but overall I hope you agree with me that we are well cared for in life. Remember to give thanks this Thanksgiving Day.
______________________________________________________________________________________ Paul Bootsma is the Field Services Manager for the Christian Farmers Federation of Ontario. The CFFO Commentary represents the opinions of the writer and does not necessarily represent CFFO policy. The CFFO Commentary is heard weekly on CFCO Chatham, CKNX Wingham, and UCB Canada radio stations in Chatham, Belleville, Bancroft, Brockville and Kingston. It is also archived on the CFFO website: www.christianfarmers.org. CFFO is supported by 4,000 family farmers across Ontario.
