BlueButton

On Tuesday I will elect…to get up before my kids do, fix a cup of coffee, and settle in for quality time reading my Bible and praying.

On Tuesday I will elect… to cast my ballot with a calm centeredness, resting in the truth that God is my King.

On Tuesday I will elect…to look my family in the eye and, one by one, tell them why I love them.

On Tuesday I will elect…to pray for and shepherd this awesome flock God has placed before me.

On Tuesday I will elect…to refrain from negativity and cynical jokes. (This could be really tough.)

On Tuesday I will elect to…welcome the stranger, a small child, a hungry beggar. I will elect to look deep into their soul and remember that this day is not all about me, or what I want. I will look deep into their soul until I see the reflection of Jesus.

On Tuesday I will elect…to honor God with my speech.

On Tuesday I will elect…to love by being a good listener.

On Tuesday I will elect…to show respect towards people with differing opinions.

On Tuesday I will elect…to walk humbly, do justice, and love mercy.

On Tuesday I will elect…to not join the doomsdayers who wail and moan over election results. Instead, I will elect to read Psalm 46 reminding me “God is my refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble. Therefore I will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea” and ‘my candidate’ does not ascend to office (verses 1-2). As our “nation is in an uproar” (verse 6), “The Lord Almighty is with [me]; the God of Jacob is [my] fortress” (verse 7).

This Tuesday, join me in electing to be the calmest and most uplifting of all people. On Tuesday, elect to bear the fruit of the Spirit – love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. (Gal. 5:22-23)

On Tuesday may each of us end our day with a satisfied sigh, resting in the mercy-filled arms of the Great God who elected to love us.