I watched my 18-year-old neighbor cast his first-ever election ballot today and it nearly made me teary. Over the years I've known him to be a typical teenager-arguing with his parents a lot of the time, pushing the boundaries they have set, and insisting that he's an adult and can make his own decisions even though he's still in high school. Seeing him truly come of age and make such a mature decision to exercise the right to make his citizen's voice heard was heartening.
I myself felt the weight that comes with having my personal choice make a difference on election day. After trying for years to fully understand the electoral college v. popular vote, I will admit it still is a little shady to me. BUT, I KNOW it is important to make sure my choice and preferences are heard.
Most people who know me will not be surprised when I say the presidential race did not go the way I had been hoping for. I want to make it really clear that I am not a straight-ticket republican-I had a real struggle deciding which candidate to support in our national Senate race today, and even as I type shortly before midnight, I'm anxiously awaiting the results for our new congressional district, where my preference is for the Democratic candidate. But I did believe Mitt Romney had a clearer vision and belief in the America that I want to live in.
I am not going to be angry,though. I'm not going to let my fears get in the way of my faith. Instead, tonight I was reminded by the Holy Ghost that President Thomas S. Monson, the President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, and the living prophet of the Lord today, is still valiantly guiding us to live righteously. The Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints are still special witnesses of Jesus Christ and are still striving to spread His message of love and service to all the citizens of the world. I believe President Dieter F. Uchtdorf when he says,
Whether you voted for Mitt Romney or Barack Obama, whether you exercised your right to vote or stayed at home, whether you woke up this morning with renewed hope or a hesitation over the unknown, I want you to know that my eyes are still firmly looking towards the Lord. Regardless of which side you are on, know that the Lord has promised great blessings on THIS country. OUR country. The United States of America. Our responsibility? Our best hope of one day seeing her take her full reward? Live righteously. Follow His commandments. Serve your neighbor more than yourself. Seek not for riches, but for treasures in Heaven.
I am grateful we can still hope in an America that is great.
We, the people, can make it great!
Unfamiliar with
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and it's teachings?
I hope the links I've provided above will help to answer some of your questions.
1 comments:
I appreciate so much of what you said! First, kudos to you for teaching your children to vote. Our kids are not old enough yet, but I KNOW they will vote when they are. Second, I agree that God is in control...the Bible tells us that HE sets up the rulers. He is in control, even though things did not turn out as we hoped.
Thank you for the reminder of the great country we live in.
Post a Comment