Some Tuesday Afternoon Thoughts Prior to Election Results

As I write this article, it’s Tuesday afternoon and still hours before we should know who the President will be for the next four years. I wondered if I wait until tomorrow or write some thoughts about whatever happens with the election. As a pastor, maybe it is best to write to the congregation before the results are known. Here goes…

I'm reminded of the story of the man who came home for a special dinner his wife had cooked for him after a job interview. As they sat down for dinner, he shared with her the good news, "I got the job!" As he shared the good news, he noticed beside his plate a card with neatly written words "CONGRATULATIONS. I KNEW YOU WOULD GET THE JOB!" He wondered, "How did she know?"  

Later that evening, he helped clear the table, and the congratulations card fluttered onto the floor. He reached over to pick up the card. It was not until then he noticed a message neatly written on the other side, which read, "I AM SO SORRY YOU DID NOT GET THE JOB! I LOVE YOU ANYWAY!"

As I think about tonight's election results, I know we must prepare for a winner and a loser. Regardless of the outcome, I hope both the winner and loser will be gracious. I remember President George Bush left the incoming President Clinton a note on his desk that read.

Dear Bill,
When I walked into this office just now, I felt the same sense of wonder and respect that I felt four years ago. I know you will feel that, too.

I wish you great happiness here. I never felt the loneliness some Presidents have described.
There will be very tough times, made even more difficult by criticism you may not think is fair. I'm not a very good one to give advice; but just don't let the critics discourage you or push you off course.

You will be our President when you read this note. I wish you well. I wish your family well.
Your success now is our Country's success. I am rooting hard for you.

Good luck — George

How strong and gracious was President Bush to write such a letter for the incoming President! I am praying whoever wins, and whoever loses will find civility, diplomacy, and yes…graciousness. It is good for the Country to be gracious, whether winning or losing the election. Our Country needs such diplomacy in these times to bring our Nation together.

Let us remember…regardless of who is President…these are unprecedented and challenging times! The President has a hard- enough job in normal circumstances. This is a difficult time to be President. Whoever leads the next four years needs the support of a Nation so that we can bounce back and thrive as a Nation and not divisions.

My hope is this election will be a springboard for the elections of the coming years! May a new wave of strong candidates emerge. Persons that will unite and reach across the aisle and seek the good of the Nation first and the interest of a party second.

On a very positive note, I'm hearing there could be record numbers of people voting for this election! This is an indicator of the resilient American spirit! Even in COVID-19 times, the American People will rise to the occasion! The record number of people voting tells us the apathy is gone, and our people are passionate at this moment. Is the best ideal of America yet to come? I hope so!

Regardless of who wins, we need to pray daily for the President. If it is President Trump, pray for him. If it Vice President Biden, pray for him. Whichever one is elected, they have an impossible job ahead. We need to be part of the solution and not part of the problem! We need to lighten our elected officials' burden and rally around them to bring our Nation to be the UNITED STATES of AMERICA AGAIN! WE ARE SO MUCH BETTER UNITED THAN DIVIDED!

May this year of so much uncertainty pivot us to the great promise of America and freedom. I think it is indeed time to pray the Biblical prayer today for our Nation.

"If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and will heal their land."
(2 Chronicles 7:14).

God bless all of you in the aftermath of another National Election, and may God Bless America! We shall get through this tough year! And be much stronger as a Nation!

Shalom,
Philip