This week we celebrated Sea Fair, the longest running annual event in our city's calendar. There were the usual floats, carnival rides, local musicians on stage and, of course, the parade. Although I've attended Sea Fair every year since we moved here, this one was different in that I had the honour of being part of the entourage.
Happily seated in the back of a 1957 Mercury convertible, I waved my arms with vigour and smiled my sunniest smile. It was great fun and I felt privileged to represent our federal Member of Parliament. Thanks to the owners of this beautifully preserved automobile, I got to do it in style.
Later that afternoon we attended the opening ceremonies, appropriately held on the shores of the Pacific. Planes were at the ready to present an air show; the seas were alive with the silence of sail boats; vendors tempted attendees with the aroma of chicken and chips, mini doughnuts and a host of other goodies. Both past and current community volunteers and organizers were soundly and rightly praised for their hard work and that's what really caught my attention.
Be it planning a carnival, raising money for the food bank or arranging the visit of a Member of Parliament, these all involve hours of dedicated work.
Great thanks, then, to all those in leadership for the purpose of serving others. Yes, there are rotten apples in every barrel but let's not forget to pray and express appreciation to pastors who genuinely care, politicians who, in spite of our national cynicism, dedicate years of their lives to our national welfare and community leaders committed to making our towns and cities an even better place to live.
"Render to all men their duesrespect to whom respect is due and honour to whom honour is due." Romans 13:7, AMP
