Today is Election Day and Lindsey (my daughter) and I headed to our voting location again. It is hard to believe that Lindsey was three years old the last time we voted for the President of the United States and now she is almost seven years of age. I have made it a point to take her with me over the years in order to teach her how important this day is to our society.
As we were standing in line, Lindsey had more questions this time. At first, she complained about the line, but I explained to her how lucky we were to be able to stand in line and vote because so many others around the world did not get to do this. I explained to her that in some places people are endangered if they show up to vote. I expressed to her how voting was so important to how we understand our democracy, and although there are plenty of things that need work in our nation, we still live in one of the greatest countries in the world. This seemed to give her patience as we waited for our turn vote.
I know many folks vote early for a variety of reasons, but I have always enjoyed going on Election Day. I like being with my neighbors and the crowds. To be honest, even though people are often divided in our politics, for me, this moment always feels like a coming together. Even if people disagree, we use voting as a way to elect our leaders and we (as Americans) generally abide in the outcome of a fair election.
As I was standing in line, I started feeling a sense of thankfulness. I thought back to Mr. Gentry’s Veterans talk this pastSunday night and how he was part of freeing Holocaust victims. It was simply one of the most heartfelt and moving talks I’ve ever heard in my life. Next, I started thinking about my father and his service in Vietnam and for my mother. So many years she spent worrying about him oversees, while at the same time, having to care for my sisters and me by herself. This led me to thinking about Lory Catlett (Program Staff Leader) and her recent year away from her husband (Jamie) as he served in Afghanistan. What made this extra difficult is that Lory and Jamie were just married before he was deployed. All of these men, women and families and countless others have/had sacrificed so much. So, with those sentimental thoughts running through my mind and heart, I felt proud to vote and humbled by the experiences others have endured on my behalf.
At the writing of this reflection, I do not know who will be elected the next President of the United States. Still, what I do know is that God has given me much to be thankful for. Regardless of who gets elected, it is my hope that the people of our country will have a “revival” of the heart so that we may count our blessing together.
God Bless America…. please! It is my privilege to be your Pastor.
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