One week from tonight, polls on the east coast will have closed and pundits will be pouring over early returns. None of us can predict what will happen. It could be a landslide, or it could be so close that we might not know the outcome for several days.
As we enter the final week of this tumultuous campaign season, I want to offer a few challenges for all of us.
First, if you have not yet done so, Vote!
Second, Pray! (Well, we should also prayerfully prepare to vote – so I guess “pray!” could’ve been first!)
I have written several times, that we should not praying for the outcome of the election but rather we should be praying that we will be prepared for the outcome of the election regardless of the results.
I want to also encourage all of us to be praying for each other.
Let us continue to pray for those who have been impacted by the pandemic.
Let us pray for those with whom we disagree.
Let us pray for all of those who hold elected office.
Let us pray for the Church to be a source of hope and healing for everyone regardless of their political leanings or affiliation.
Third, may we be a source of calm anywhere we have influence. There will continue to be those who will seek to divide us through heated rhetoric. We should disarm the rhetoric with words and thoughts of peace and love.
Fourth, may we continue to be the hands and feet of Christ. Let us find ways to make a difference in the lives of others – particularly those who find themselves in need during these difficult and challenging times.
Fifth, Smile! We need to smile so big that others can see it through our mask!