This past week I watched the Saturday evening cultural celebration that preceded the dedication of the Calgary, Alberta, Canada Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I lived in Calgary for about 5 years. My third child was born there.
I love Calgary.
It is just a really big town.
Watching youth dance to Tracy Byrd's 'I'm From the Country' was the epitome of life in Calgary.
"Everybody knows everybody, everybody calls you friend
You don’t need an invitation, kick off your shoes come on in
Yeah, we know how to work and we know how to play
We’re from the country and we like it that way."
The lyrics stuck to my mind and psyche.
I should live more like that.
Calgary, although a metropolitan area with about 1.5 million people, is for the most part down home country: friendly and hospitable. When the chips are down your enemy is more likely to be the climate than your neighbor. Your neighbor would keep you from freezing and maybe even run his snowblower up your driveway as well as the length of the block.
Mormon culture reflects these same values.
We are all brothers and sisters.
We're all family.
We love, help and look after each other.
I grew up in such a family.
I was raised in a culture of consideration.
You are always welcome at my house.
"You don't need an invitation,
kick off your shoes and come on in"
kick off your shoes and come on in"