On the Election

Did I scare you with the post title? Don't worry--as I said, pundrity is not the focus of this blog. My boys are. So staying true to my purpose, I will not analyze the election (no one cares to hear it anyway). But I thought you might want to see my boys through the lens of this most American of events.

We've been talking to our boys about voting and the election. We made the what and the why of our choices known to them, but strongly reminded them how important it was to be respectful of others' choices and viewpoints. After all, some political positions are moral, but many others are amoral---a matter of opinion. And, of the ones that are moral in nature, I think we can become counterproductive sometimes in the way we approach the subject with others. So, to our boys, who go to school in a section of town where the prevailing political sentiment is not ours, we commanded them to stay quiet and not make offensive comments to friends about politics, yard signs or political candidates. Until social filters and graciousness develop further, I think that will have to be our policy.

They did well. On Election Day morning, the boys and I prayed. We asked God to choose the man He had picked for the job.

The man we did not vote for won (not to be too specific or anything!) Lessons to take note of and learn: 1) You can't always win 2) Even though it's hard, it's good NOT to win every time (that's a sure way to get arrogant and lazy) 3) The man in the office of President deserves our honor and respect simply because he's our President. 4) Regardless of politics, it's pretty amazing that we have elected the first black president ever. 5) No matter what, God's still running things. Period

In the days ahead, no doubt we'll have frustrations, fears and disagreements about how our country is being run. We'll talk with our kids about it, as they are able to understand and handle it. Today and always, we will pray for our new president and congressional leaders, and wish them well.