Reassurances

Like many Americans, I woke this morning and signed on the computer to see the election results.  I read only the first few words of the headline – enough to learn that Romney was defeated.  My heart fell into the pit of my stomach and stayed there for quite some time.  How could so many Americans choose to believe that Obama’s socialism is the right path for our country? 

My biggest fears were for my son, of course.  Did the majority of parents really cast a vote to leave a legacy of debt to our children and their children?  And what about the Christian values that we use to guide our lives?  Aren’t those same values good enough to guide our country too?  Don’t we want to teach our children to put their faith not in hand-outs but in hard work and persistence?  Isn’t it the role of charities and the Church, not the role of government, to help those in need?

I spent most of the morning dwelling on those frustrating questions, among others too numerous to detail.  On the way to Bible study I told Will about the election results (he’s been very interested in the whole process).  His response was, “I’m going to have a hard time when I grow up.”  I felt horrible for him.  I wanted to think of something to make him feel better but all that came to mind were sarcastic reassurances like, “Don’t worry sweetie – in four more years there will be enough government programs in place that you won’t even have to worry with finding a job!”  So I bit my tongue and said a silent prayer asking for a better attitude.  I think my prayer was answered because I immediately knew what to tell Will and what to focus on myself:  There is no continuing city here, but we seek one to come, and God is in control. 

I explained to Will that there are lots of things in this world that we don’t agree with but what’s important is living our lives by what we learn from Jesus in the Bible.  Other people might make poor choices but we don’t have to.  And while it may be hard to see at the time, God has a plan for everyone and everything and his plan will come to fruition no matter what.  God can even use our mistakes (like electing Obama again!) to further his plan for the world and for us.  We also know that this world is headed for a path of destruction but that as God’s children we don’t need to fear what comes of this world and this country because God has prepared a place for us already. 

So take heart that while this country may be on a path you don’t believe in, the One Leader we do believe in is still in control.