Jean Newell, Associate Pastor, Sun Lakes United Methodist Church
It’s that time of year again! Cooler weather is here; football is in full swing. Halloween is barely over, and stores have already begun setting up Christmas displays.
All of that is true, and what is also true is that we – as Americans – have the opportunity in just a few days to exercise a privilege that has been ours for over 200 years! That privilege is the privilege to vote for national, state, city, and county leaders.
Because in the past there have been times when, because of my schedule, I’ve gone flying into the school or the church where I was to vote only minutes before the polls closed, I’ve opted to vote early with a mail-in ballot.
What I find interesting about ballots is I recognize names I’ve seen advertised on signs on countless street corners, on flyers that have come in the mail, and in seemingly endless television commercials. Then again, there are those names that I don’t remember seeing advertised anywhere at all.
As far as propositions are concerned, I try reading up on them and making a list of the numbers with a notation beside each one with a “yes” or a “no” to remind myself how I want to vote.
Whoever is elected to office this year will be facing incredible challenges and will be responsible for making decisions that will affect countless generations.
Because of the challenges the newly elected officials will face, may we remember the Apostle Paul’s words, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” (Philippians 4:6)
May we remember that God is God and will always be God, and that fact has nothing to do with which states are “red” and which are “blue”! God is God from the beginning to the end and for all eternity.
With that in mind, before you pick up your pencil, before you make a list of propositions or candidates, before you open up your ballot, take time to pray!
Pray for our nation! Pray for our leaders! Pray for wisdom and discernment as you cast your vote! May God bless America!