My vote is in, and I think I will be a little relieved when the racket of this whole election settles a bit. Within my close circle there is a pretty equal split down the middle this go round. I respect the well-informed and thoughtful opinions on both sides. I care deeply about the issues surrounding this election. I want a leader with heart-felt convictions for justice,wisdom concerning our earth and it's resources, truth, mercy, and the sanctity of all life. Sometimes the greed, corruption and lack of integrity within our government makes me cringe. At the same time I live my days in the light of such blessing, abundance and freedom that many people in the world could only hope for. I don't deserve these things anymore than millions around the world that live in fear and poverty and hopelessness. This leaves me humbled, and prayerful and grateful.
One thing that has been disappointing about this election is how tense and divisive it has become. Wouldn't it be nice if instead of people being so quick to be arrogant and judgemental they took the time to listen and understand despite disagreements. Why do people act like if you don't agree with them politically, you haven't reached their level of enlightenment? Isn't it our right to educate ourselves and vote according to our convictions? There are deeply personal and gut-wrenching issues at hand; poverty, warfare, women in desperate situations, the lives of unborn babies, the list goes on and on. But something tells me that tomorrow, a new day will dawn with a new man in charge and those struggles and tragedies that are part of our humanness will still be with us. So before I hang my hopes on a man who is that, just a man, I take comfort in the fact that before I am an American, a democrat, a republican or anything in between, I am child made in God's image. He alone is my hope for change and salvation. So that is how I voted and how I try to live, true to my calling and my convictions.
He has shown you,O man, what is good;
And what does the Lord require of you
But to do justly,
To love mercy,
And to walk humbly with your God?
Micah 6:8
