Election Fatigue

Whenever one is examining peace, it is usually because it is wearing away.  The internet is downright bare.  This morning I was part of a string of comments that started with a child’s school picture and ended with profanity in all caps. How quickly, these days, our conversations can turn. 

​ I spectated while a large group of passionate Christians ganged up on a lone dissenter and relentlessly rode him until eventually everyone called him names as they asked for him to simply leave. I’d like to say that I stood up for the guy-- not for his opinions but for my belief that if a brother is buried, it is my duty to dig him out-- but I simply felt too sad to be saintly. I understand that this election feels unbearable. Usually things this weighty grow gradually, but like Atlas, it feels we are shouldering this mass all at once. I understand the fatigue. I feel it, too.  But I am grieved by the behavior of people who are called to love when it is difficult to do so and called to extend grace when no one deserves it. How can we keep our opinions close while we keep our God closer? How can we hold our convictions tightly while we hold our tenets tighter? How can we not tear each other apart while we run counter to? We are a marvel of misses.  When it’s all said and done, come November 8th, the sun will still rise in the east and will still set in the west. People will go to work. Classes will resume. Half of the nation will rejoice. Half of the nation will grieve.  Life will go on.  But, right now, this is time in a desert.  It is easy to focus on the chaos here, our eyes magnifying everything right in front of us while they blur anything on the other side.  We lash out at those around us. We question a greater plan.  But God is the One who led His people to the desert. He led them there!   And I’m starting to think God prefers insurmountable odds because it is desperation that best showcases His work.  This desert feels Godless but I will concentrate on His control. Chaos amidst deliverance never has the last word.  My goal is to survive the desert with the same steadfastness and solidarity with the Spirit that Jesus did… not the moaning and groaning and lashing out that the Israelites did. Lord, help me to imitate Christ in the desert.  When I study my yesterdays, I trust God with my tomorrows because He has proven that every single thing is working for my good.  And, surely, for the love of God, surely!, decent people, people who are passionate about civility and respect are feeling a tug to enter the ring and lead this country toward more palatable politics and unity. Surely someone tolerable and honorable is feeling sincere conviction to lead this country in a way that makes people want to know more about God.  I have been accused of being a chirpy optimist. But I insist that I am an optimist by faith. Bad things can and will happen… I just believe in resurrection endings.