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."