election

Post Election Stress is for the Birds – 1 Thessalonians 5:14-18

When I hear the honking of geese, I step outside to see if they are close enough for me to catch the whirring of the air currents their strong wings stir up. In this part of Oregon, as temperatures chill we know they’ll soon be heading out for warmer climates.

It amazes me that they know how to do that.

Changes are coming, and I want to encourage you to look up. Maybe it will help relieve some of this season’s stress if I remind you of these noisy birds. geese-flying-free-action-planet-pixabay

I like watching geese fly, and I appreciate their unity as they work together to reach a common goal. If I’m patient I might see the leader at the point of the V-formation leave his post and drop to the back of the flock, giving way for the next bird to take his place.

Their tiny little brains have a lot on the ball.

Consider the birds

If we think of ourselves as a team, all working toward the goal, we stand a better chance of reaching our destination. We’ll arrive faster and with greater strength. We will also benefit from the security that comes with sticking together.

When an opportunity arises for a new goose to take her turn as leader, she isn’t judged by her strength, appearance, or behavior. She’s next in line for the job for that moment. She performs her task then moves on, leaving the spot open for the next leader to rise up.

It comforts me to remember that human leaders occupy a temporary position.

Remember, we don’t vote for someone who has all the right answers to all our concerns or has the ability to fix every problem. Our elections are for only assigning the next short-term leader.

Encourage the flock

God rules eternally over all. What we need now is for the next goose to do his or her part, and move on. And if honking is like praying, and it’s encouraging to those around us, let’s keep it up.

“And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all. See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone. Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thessalonians 5:14-18 ESV).

by Kathy Sheldon Davis

On Voting and “What Would Jesus Do” – Isaiah 46:9-11

Our voter’s pamphlet arrived a couple days ago, and it’s calling me from the pile on my kitchen table.

How should I vote?

When you vote KD-Canva

Remember WWJD? Does it work during election time to ask myself what Jesus would do, how he would vote?

Such a question leads only to guessing, and I want something more solid than speculation.

A better stance to take is to come under God’s authority, seeking his wisdom. Candidates and measures come and go, but I want to keep my eyes on the bigger picture and work for what brings lasting value.

What if I don’t like the outcome?

“I am God, and there is none like me . . . I say, ‘My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.’ From the east I summon a bird of prey; from a far-off land, a man to fulfill my purpose. What I have said, that I will bring about; what I have planned, that I will do” (Isaiah 46:9-11 NIV).

Since he is God, how can I expect to comprehend how he weaves the strands of my choices together for his purpose? I can only declare he is God (praise), ask for his will to be done (request), and take action to the best of my ability and understanding (faith).

Elections and opinions are not secure forever. We will work through these things, but we’ll do better if we remember God is big enough to handle all that he has made, and if we trust him.

Prayer: Father of us all, let your kingdom come, and your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Amen.

by Kathy Sheldon Davis

After the Election

I’m sure there are many bloggers blogging their bloggiest (and posting their postiest, tweeting their tweetiest, pinning their pinningest) about the election a few days ago. How strange that I cannot find words to express my thoughts or feelings about it. Maybe I have nothing to add to what’s already being said. Maybe I just have no desire to add to the already heated arguments.

I know there are believers in Jesus who choose not to vote, and those who struggle with anger because of that choice. I know there are many who are politically active, as well as others who cannot dream of the possibility of a true believer serving in the political realm at all.

My bottom line is I will do my best to love God and follow where he leads, and show love to my neighbor as I would want it for myself. Yes, it’s simplistic, but I can’t think of doing any better than that.