Why I'm celebrating the Day after the Election

Although much of the election results did not go in the direction that our family would have chosen, I do believe that there are many things to celebrate about Election 2008:

• A record turnout at the polls ~ It's been many years since this many people have taken a passionate interest in our government. Any time that there is an increase in people exercising the freedom that we enjoy in this country to vote, it's a good thing.
• An African-American won the highest office in the land ~ Regardless as to whether I support (or agree with) his views or morality, I believe it's an incredible thing for us to finally state as a country that any individual, regardless of ethnicity, can be our President. After decades of, frankly, shameful treatment it is worth a major celebration. Now, though, a new "racism" is rearing it's ugly head and turning back the clock...our country was founded to provide freedom of religion, but we are rapidly trying to turn it into freedom FROM religion.
• A public discussion of values ~ One of the things I value about election times, even though they get ugly, is that these times give me an opportunity to hear and to talk about the values that individuals hold dear. It is one of the few times these days that Biblical values are allowed to be discussed in the public forum. It is also a fantastic time for me to hear what my neighbors, friends, and country values so that I know how to pray for them and to give direction to the church in the coming days so as to help those around discover the values that really matter.
• We get to experience History ~ All too often I think we take it for granted in our country as to how unique we are in world history. We are a relatively young nation who have experienced the entirety of our history in a grand experiment called democracy. Few other countries have survived the experiment. We often, even in modern history, balance on the edge of failure when it comes to democracy. I don't want to miss the realization that we are living in history-making moments akin to those grand moments we studied in our textbooks.
• We are living in Spiritually Hungry Times ~ I believe that Americans have looked around and have found too few things to satisfy their souls. I believe that now is a crucial time for the church to step out of the clouds of condescension and condemnation and to BE the church. Even though people want the government to save them, no one trusts those IN government -- what a time for the church to resume her post as the people who serve the needy, the hopeless, the lost and the hurting. What a time to talk about the things that really matter.
• Cynicism against the government reminds us that only changed hearts change culture ~ We as Christians and non-Christians have looked for far too long to our government to declare morality for our nation. This election should scream loudly a reminder that it is only in the teaching of and the trust in a personal Jesus that we find true morality. I may scream against the moral crime of abortion, but until Jesus is allowed to turn selfishness into self-sacrifice in a young mom's heart she will continue to cry for her personal choice over that of an unborn child. I can't change a heart. A law can't change a heart. God changes hearts, and Him alone. What an opportunity for the church to rise up in loving declaration and reveal the God who is in the business of changing people from the inside out.

No, every issue in the election did not go the way I would have liked it to go...but I serve a God who is still on the throne and who orchestrates the twists and turns of nations to ultimately bring glory to Him and to usher in a Kingdom the likes of which the world has never seen!