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I Can
They chose this day because on Jan 19th 1825 - 200 years ago, Thomas Kensett and Ezra Daggett filed the first patent in the USA to make tin cans for food preservation. In the UK, Peter Durand had filed a patent some fifteen years before, and in 1812, the brilliant inventor Bryan Donkin set up a canning factory in Bermondsey - but somehow we do not celebrate them here in the UK. Perhaps we should.
Today I am thinking of can as a noun, rather as a verb. To be able to do something- from the Old English cunnan ‘to know’ (in Middle English ‘know
how to’) Bob and Rosie both have famous namesakes who use can as their catchphrase - the Builder and the Riveter.
It is so easy to feel daunted, or defeated, when there is a difficult task ahead of us.
When I am struggling to deal with something I which feel is beyond my abilities, I don't turn to these two fictional characters but rather to the Bible. In Philippians the apostle Paul says "I can do all this through Jesus, who gives me strength" and the book of Joshua where we read "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid;
do not be discouraged, the Lord your God will be with
you wherever you go.”
It's good to remember that we do not have to do it all on our own.
I love your "words" and always learn a lot. Have you read Susie Dent's book "Guilty by Definition" - her love of words and their etymology shines through and there are cryptic clues to solve the mystery. Your library will have it I'm sure. Mine here in New Zealand has it. Margaret
ReplyDeleteNot read it yet, but hope to do so sometime this year
DeleteTo be quite honest, I have not heard of a National Tin Can Day, over here, but, then, again, I don't keep track of all the special days. But, it's good to know that we can get help when needed.
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DeleteKnowing he is with us, who can be against us!
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DeleteWell-that sent me down an interesting search of the web to read up about canning! It certainly made an interesting read at post lunch coffee. Catriona
ReplyDeleteIt took them years to invent a can opener though!
DeleteThere's a brilliant new food programme with Nigel Slater and Adam, the farmer from Countryfile. The emphasis is on how not to eat from cans. I also like the patterns of Tin Can Knits! That's my contribution to the subject!
ReplyDeleteI'd missed this programme (Nigel and Adams Farm Kitchen) but I shall catch up on BBC i-player. Thanks for that. I've just looked up tin can knits.great fun!
DeleteLike Bless, I'd never heard of National Tin Can Day! I'd read a theory that Arctic explorer Sir John Franklin took food cans sealed with lead, and his team suffered lead poisoning thus explaining why they disappeared (from illness and metal confusion). But who knows!
ReplyDeleteThe John Franklin mystery remains unsolved. But I like your idea
ReplyDeleteIt is when I am aware of my weakness that I get out of the way and let the Lord have His way!
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DeleteThank you for the reminder from Colossians and Joshua especially when life is tough. I didn't know it was National Tin Can Day yesterday. I wonder how many there are in my cupboard!
ReplyDeleteKeeping stock rotated is an issue. I tend to shove newly bought stuff in at the front which is not good.,
DeleteThe can opener was patented in 1858, long after the tin can was patented, which makes me think that there were a lot of frustrated housewives bashing the tins before they got the hammer and chisel out.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the Bible verses. They are so reassuring.
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