I have a bittersweet, love-hate relationship with election years. I am excited, depressed, happy, and disgusted all at the same time! I cherish the right to vote and that others have that right as well. But, I hate the tension within families, friends, and churches.
What I like:
- Active civic engagement, including voting, contributes to the health and economic vitality of local communities.
- People who vote are more likely to connect with neighbors, talk to elected officials, and engage civically in other ways.
- No one tells me what to think – I get to do it on my own.
What I don’t like:
- Television ads (I mute all ads this time of year).
- Candidate signs at intersections.
- Untruths being proclaimed and being received as gospel.
- Families divided, unable to talk to one another.
- Voters who don’t think through their decisions and vote without discernment or knowledge.
- Voters who don’t vote.
As we move closer and closer to election day, here are a few things to remember. Listen more than you speak. Research the candidates and ballot initiatives. Engage in civil discourse. Allow others to disagree. And vote!
Oh, and be kind to one another! Yes, even across the political aisle. May the generations that follow us be proud of how we conduct ourselves during this election. Be intentional with what you say and do. No matter where you are on your journey of life, you are welcome here!
Shalom, Paul