Grateful. Australia Day Reflection

This past Friday, I tuned in to hear and see what was happening across the country for the Australia Day events and increasingly found myself incredibly grateful for this country I am part of. I heard stories of appreciative migrants; I saw the invasion marches and the proclamations of "we have survived"; the thousands of people who became Australian citizens; awards presented to those who are making a difference in this country and across the globe. Watching the Sydney Australia Day concert that night, I found myself quite moved through parts of it. Aside from the actual artists and various high-quality theatrical components of the event, what further fuelled my gratitude was our ethnic diversity (both of the crowd and those who shared the stage) and the heartening sight of both Indigenous and Australian flags being proudly lifted to the heavens, side by side. It is not a perfect country by any means and while there is much work to be done (and changing the date of Australia Day I think, is one of those changes that would further assist the healing process and unity of our nation) it is a fortunate country. And for that, I am grateful.