The US Elections and Family

The content box asked, “What’s on Your Mind?”

What’s on everyone’s mind today or even this week? Today is Election Day (Nov 5th) in the US. The British Parliament refers to today as Guy Fawkes Day; colloquially, it is known as Bonfire Night or Fireworks Night. We’ll see!?!? If you are a history geek, try this link.

I think what is on my mind is what might be on everyone’s mind: Who will win the American Election? VP Kamala Harris or former President Donald J. Trump? Some people might be asking, “Who cares?”. Others might be glued to their TV sets. The reality is that today, it will take up too much emotional, mental, and, in some cases, physical energy, which is not what it honestly should!

Even my regular devotional readings today seemed to set up and refer to the elections. How disappointing! Whether it was the Bible App, Dwell, or even the European-based Lectio365, they all referred to a biblical view of elections and governance or unity as a nation. PUKE! Sure, making such a connection is timely and relevant, and the results may surprise us – but not a Sovereign God. I caved! I posted on socials a subliminal or cryptic view of the election – stating God is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, and the changing of rulers is in His hands and under His sovereign and perfect plan. True, but a little corny and obnoxious! But hey it was 5:30 AM, what were you doing at hour of the day? 

So yes, the American election is on my mind! But so is my family. I have family living in the US. If they haven’t already, they will head to the polls today. I have family heading to the US later this week, and they will be there for the aftermath of the election and American Thanksgiving. This made me think: What do Americans have to be thankful for? Answer: A lot! More than they have been focusing on recently. To forego arguments with my family and friends to the south of the 49th parallel, I will not make a list – but Selah (the musical term from the Psalms that means pausing and thinking)!

I don’t know, and in many ways don’t care, who will win the US Election. I do care about my family and the stress that this has caused them in their workplaces, churches, and, in some cases, even within their own families. I do care that a powerful nation like the US reflects and is governed by biblical values. I would wish that for all the countries and kingdoms of this earth. Why? Because that is what Jesus taught us to pray! “Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven.”