yesterday I worked
It was a public holiday in Australia. But I worked anyway.
I guess it's my answer to the question: "What does respect look like?"
Like most Aussies I love an excuse for a day off. Especially during summer.
Beach. BBQ. You know the drill.
And how could you not be warmed by the beauty and benefit of our wide brown land?
It's a privilege to be part of a nation like this - 2021's Australian of the Year awards are enough evidence for that.
But the celebration of Australia Day on a day that marks the failure to recognise more than 500 nations feels disrespectful to say the least.
What if it were my people?
Yesterday I reflected on the grief experienced by the people of the First Nations.
I wondered about the interactions my great-great-great Grandfather may have had with their ancestors when he stepped off the Tam-O-Shanter in 1836.
I pondered how different our society and culture would be if the doctrine of 'terra nullius' wasn't popularised in Australian colonial history.
I also minimised my exposure to social media outrage.
Then I brimmed with pride when my 18 year old son - placard in hand - joined the Invasion Day rally in our city.
And rather than taking the day off, I worked.
I know, it's not much.
But my faith compels me to be asking the question: "What does respect look like?"
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