Time To Live a Little

Today was a tough day for many Americans, or at least it was around here. The day after this historic election found me very somber. I would not go so far as to say depressed, but downcast, for sure. A kind of short-tempered feeling, with a dash of irritation, and a boatload of exasperation. I walked by faculty who I know supported the man who today is our President, and did not move out of the cordial greeting phase with them at all. I heard things that tempted my blood to boil. And I knew the day would get harder.

For those who do not know I am a pastor and a junior high History and Civics teacher, and between talking to a few teachers and fielding questions from students (which I did all day), I am exhausted. I had to do my very best to live Romans 13:1-7 and Titus 3:1. It was difficult. However, I was encouraged by a few things I read at The Founders Blog, and some other sites I frequent. I began to remember that I am commanded to pray for my leaders, to honor them, and to keep in mind that God is in control as the One who orders all things to the pleasure of His good will.

However, I did not come straight home after work. During my planning period I decided to do something that I pray will bear fruit and glorify my Savior.

I made a few appointments.

At 3:30 today I met with the mayor of the little town I live in. We spoke a little about the new town council. She related that they always prayed before conducting any town business. She shared some of her concerns: the homeless, veterans, the hungry and poor. I really do not think there is a truly homeless person in the little town limits. But she told me about a group living under a bridge in a bigger city, not 30 miles from here. She spoke about a woman's self-defense program that she found out about from some volunteers at the annual Founders Day who were not even living within the town limits. And about how she wrote some letters of appreciation to the persons responsible for the program. These letters really encouraged a few people. (Maybe enough to continue the program..) I then confessed to her that I did not pray for my elected officials as I should. I read her the opening verses of Romans 13. With her permission, I prayed with her and for her, then I left.with an invitation to open a future Founders Day in prayer.

I am not going to pretend that I am not cringing when I hear about all the things that naturally follow an election, But I do believe that this is a really good chance to live the love that I preach about, to give the respect that I should offer to those who God says deserves it, to not render myself unapproachable to those who voted differently than I did , and to trust the sovereignty of God.

I plan to try to pray with (and for) as many of my elected officials as I can. I do not pretend to be reconciled to all of what has happened in my country. I just do not want to miss such an opportunity to obey God, and maybe to even grow a little spiritually (Lord willing). Please join me in praying for our country and its elected officials.