Tuesday, November 4, 2008

Thankful to be an American

Election Day 2008. I was hopeful as I took the children to a local ballot drop box to cast my vote. Hopeful in our democratic process. Hopeful for a candidate who represents my values. I had talked to my children about the wonderful privilege and responsibility we have in America to vote. We discussed (okay, mostly Kennedy and I) the difference between the popular vote and the electoral vote. We talked about the two major parties and some of their differences. And as we watched the broadcast tonight, Kennedy colored in the states on her map blue or red depending on which candidate won. Ken took Kennedy to the poll with him after work. Since I cast my ballot as an absentee voter, I was glad our daughter could experience a real voting booth with Dad.

When the race was called, we watched many people cry tears of joy in Chicago and around the U.S.A.. Tears were also cried in our home by my daughter. This is her first election that she will remember. She too, was hopeful for her candidate to win. As I comforted Kennedy, I reminded her that we live in this great country where we can vote. Where our voices can be heard as we participate in our government. Where we are free to worship and and speak as we wish. As we watched John McCain's concession speech I was encouraged by his words, "

"These are difficult times for our country and I pledged to him (Barack) tonight to do all in my power to help him lead us in the many challenges we face," McCain said. "I urge all Americans who supported me to join me in not just congratulating him, but offering our next president our good will...It is natural to feel some disappointment, but tomorrow we must move beyond it and ... get our country moving again."

Before tucking her in tonight, we read from the book of Daniel and were encouraged by God's word. We serve the Most High God. He is in charge of the kings and queens of this world and He is sovereign. We will pray for our president and president elect as they make decisions that will effect this great land of which I am so very thankful to be a citizen.

2 comments:

Our Four Kids said...

Great post, Jen. All day, I've been reminded of this verse:

"O Lord, God of our fathers, are you not the God who is in heaven? You rule over all the kingdoms of the nations. Power and might are in your hand, and no one can withstand you." 2 Chronicles 20:6

God is still in control, no matter who is elected president!

lovin' life said...

Thanks Steph. I love that verse!

J