Choices

Acknowledge and take to heart this day that the LORD is God in heaven above and on the earth below. There is no other. Deuteronomy 4:39 (NIV)

Finally, Election Day has arrived. I will be so glad to get back to television commercials for x-lax and Viagra and to have my phone ring with telemarketers and not politicians. Regardless of who wins today, one good thing has come of it. There are people who went to the polls who have never voted before. Democracy cannot survive in a country of apathetic people so a new interest in politics no matter what your race, age, sex or religion will lead to betterment of our country. Husband and I arrived at our polling place, a wooden community center built in 1908, at 6:40 A.M. and were eleventh and twelfth in line. We were uncertain how our day would unfold, how long the lines would be and wanted to make sure that our votes counted. Our neighbor was first in line. It appeared he spent the night on the building’s front porch for that privilege. He had a camp chair and a book and was oblivious to his surroundings right up until the doors opened at 7:00. By that time, there were about fifty people behind us. This is on a little island with a small population. Most everyone was orderly even when an elderly man got out of his car and marched directly to the head of the line. Husband and I were in and out by 7:15 although though the “secret ballet box” jammed ironically when the old man who cut in line put his slip inside. As we looked around us at the line and cars parked for blocks along our country road, husband and I could not help but think about a recent election for our local county commission. Then, we walked right in to vote with no waiting. It was obvious that the bored precinct staff were glad to have some customers. In that election, only about 15% of voters bothered to cast a vote. Local politics affect my community to a greater extent than the national elections, yet so many do not even care to vote unless it is a “big election” for president. Sometimes, I think that God only cares about the big things in my life. I consult Him about major decisions, and boy, do I pray when something life changing might be about to happen, but I act like little choices that I make each day, don’t really matter to Him. I get myself all worked up over the everyday occurrences as though I am on my own. Yet, He cares about everything that occurs in my life and wants only the best for me because He loves me. The same goes for you as well. Don’t wait on God’s help for only the illnesses, financial crisis, job searches or relationships that are falling apart. Let Him be a part of your entire life. The best thing about today is realizing God is in control no matter who gets elected. He’s in the big stuff, and the little stuff, too.