One advantage about living in a community for fifty years is that in the same way you watch your children grow up, you can watch your town grow up too. With growth you gain something and you lose something. I enjoyed my girls growing up, but must admit the teen-age years were a trial at times, but the finished product was well worth the worry and heartache.
A small town’s growth is similar. Gravel roads and wooden sidewalks were replaced by asphalt roads and cement sidewalks, which was nice but we lost a bit of our uniqueness too. I remember the time my daughter’s bike was stolen from the outdoor and only pool we had in town. I actually felt violated…stealing just wasn’t an option in town then…we see it on a continual basis today and I wonder if we just accept it or feel as baffled as I did then.
Our town’s population was about 8,000 when we first arrived. It is now nearly 55,000. Much of what has been achieved is the result of the vision of those who are long gone. But the standards of generosity, sacrifice and sheer hard work are still very present. Those pioneers worked hard to put this town on the map and left a legacy of love.
Nowadays I get quite discouraged when I hear about the tragedies happening right on our doorsteps and wonder if there ever will be a bright tomorrow for our grandchildren. Yet those early residents faced obstacles that create horror stories for books. I remember hearing of a man who left his wife and twelve year old son, in a tent, in the winter, in northern Alberta, to head back out through the trails to Edmonton, to get his cattle. I have no doubt it was true.
We are a growing community but still shoulder our pioneer roots. It may seem a bit odd to others but we still speak to strangers. At that matter, yesterday while waiting at the garage to get my car fixed, a lady twice left her open purse beside me while she went first to grab a coffee from her car and later to chat with one of the staff. As we visited, she spoke about her son and how he too had had a bike stolen. When she left she advised me to check the weather as we might be getting rain and the roads would be very icy. She actually was concerned about me. I was touched. But I am finding my white hair often brings out the best in people, especially if I smile a lot.
Growth always has the aspects of good and of temptation. We must ensure that when we are building for the future, it is to God’s glory…otherwise that new addition to the church has no value. The time we spend on that Church Bazaar, should create fellowship as well as a boost to the building fund. Our meetings are just meetings if God’s presence is not seen in our attitudes towards each other…it is hard sometimes to live in harmony, but it is by God’s request we do so.
Like the past pioneers we still have lots of growing to do in our town but I pray the principles and the presence of our faith will still be a part of the legacy of love we leave for future generations.
