Monday, November 3, 2008

Day 16 Better Together - Election Day

"Let us agree to use all our energy in getting along with each other." Romans 14:19a the Message

I write this before the voting begins, and before the votes are counted. I read the above passage which is assigned for today's reading in the devotional book. I think it's perfect. Here's why.

Today, possibly a record number of American's will go to vote in this election. That's a great testimony to our democracy. The more people that participate the healthier we are as a country.

Now, knowing the political diversity at St. Andrew - we have people all along the political spectrum, I am keenly aware that come Wednesday morning we will have people who are very depressed, others will be elated, and still others who will shrug off any result. Let me offer a bit of perspective. One from my father, the other from my own experience. My dad was a lifelong Republican, in the manner of Eisenhower. He once pointed out to me the cycles of political thought in this country. Once one side has been in office for a while, they run out of steam, they run out of ideas, because when you are in power you don't have time to reflect, think and create a vision. The other side, while not in power has had time to contemplate and reenergize. In my own time at St. Andrew, nearly 16 years now, I've seen 8 years of a Democratic President and 8 years now of a Republican President. When you look at it from the bigger picture, you see the ebb and flow of politics.

So, if on Wednesday morning you are depressed, this can be a reminder that in time things will change. And if you wake up on Wednesday and you are elated, this can be a reminder, enjoy, because in time things will change. In the current time as we go forward, let us all re-enlist as citizens of this democracy, and along with St. Paul, "Let us agree to use all our energy in getting along with each other."

2 comments:

Brad C. Johnson, Vice President, CISM, IAM said...

Amen to us all getting along together at all levels: at our parish, in our town, across our state and nation, and amongst the world. In the end, we're all citizens of Earth and working together is how it's all going to work out.

The St Andrew Blog said...

Yes Indeed brad - thanks for posting, At least one person is reading these ;)

Blog Archive

About the Blog Author

My photo
Charlestown, Rhode Island, United States
Pastor Jim Hazelwood