November begins with our celebration of All Saints Sunday (Nov. 6) when we remember our loved ones who have died during the past year. It includes our celebration of Thanksgiving and ends with the beginning of Advent and the Hanging of the Greens (Nov. 27). These are important times in the life of the church and in our spiritual lives. They can help us put into perspective the other big thing that happens this November—the election of our next president.
Most of you know me well enough to know that I have no intention of telling you how to vote. I trust that you will pray about your choice and for the country as together we elect the new president. There has been much about campaigns which has been disheartening and disturbing to me and I suspect to many of you. People seem to be polarized in their view, which is okay as long as we can love and respect the other even as we graciously make our own thoughts known. In addition, we might remember that Jesus told us to love our enemies. Not that political adversaries are “enemies,” but we are called to love even those who disagree with us.
It is my hope and prayer that when the election is over we can come back together as a country. The Bible tells us to pray for our leaders. It doesn’t say to pray for them if we like them or not. We are simply to pray for them so they will work to create an environment where people can live in peace and justice. Then pray that whoever leads us will do so with God’s help and in a God‐honoring way.
Vote for the person you think can best lead the country and then whatever the outcome, give thanks that we have the privilege of voting and living in a free country. We have much for which to be grateful! Let us never forget that and joyfully give thanks to God who is the source of all that we have and all that we are.
Blessings,
Anne