Voice Lessons

Well, today is the day. The final day of voting in this year's Presidential election. It is possible that we will know, by late tonight, who will be leading our nation for the next four years. But it is just as likely that it will be a week or more before everything is clear and we have a definite winner.

Like you, I am so ready for this to be over.

But I still haven't voted. I'm old fashioned on this and like to go to the polls on the actual Election Day. Walking into the school and down the hall, checking in and taking my ballot to a private stand and marking it with my choices. Then, feeding it into the machine and getting my little sticker. It is one of the most solemn and consequential things a citizen ever does—and I love doing it!

It's not that I have been undecided in this year's race. My choice has been clear to me for a long time by now. But I wait until the very end of the campaign for any late-breaking news that might give me pause.

There have been many controversial elections over the history of our nation. 1800, 1860, 1876, and 2000—to name just a few. But this will certainly be the most contentious one in modern times. The most important one in my lifetime, too.

We prayed about it in our services on Sunday. For God's blessing and His clear guidance in our decision. And in its aftermath.

"May the losers be gracious in defeat," I asked God for those running. "And may the winners be humble in their victory."

The example of both will mean everything in how we are able to move forward from this. United—or more divided than ever.

 "...Then, O LORD, in the days that follow, may we work hard to bind up the nation's wounds."

I still believe that America is a special nation in the eyes of God. That to whom much has been given, much is required. And we have been given so very much. So, I pray that we will continue to be a beacon to the world for freedom and democracy, an example of reason, fairness and compassion. "The last, best hope of man on earth," as President Reagan once said, echoing Lincoln before him.

More people are participating in this election than ever before in our history. They are letting their voices be heard—and that's a good thing, no matter what the final outcome. I wouldn't miss it for the world.



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