Election Day: When Everything Changes But Probably Not

After the longest nastiest most expensive campaign in history, it’s finally Election Day. I know, right? It’s like hitting LOST finale day after six arduous years of mind-bending mysteries.

Forget the tropical polar bears; soon, this ultimate political mystery will be revealed.

I long debated writing anything special for this occasion. I liken my non-discussion of politics to non-discussions of theology or salted meats.

Confrontation. I can’t stand heated arguments. Especially within the Church. Especially among Christian butchers.

I’d much rather slow-crawl down the 91 at 6pm than sit between two knuckleheads arguing over their preferred candidate or the legitimacy of various versions of the Bible.

Can’t handle confrontation and controversy.

Which brings me to this never-ending election that praise God will hopefully finally actually end tonight. 

Regardless who wins the election tonight, half the country will be ticked their guy didn’t win. But not just ticked — pissed. Outraged. Whether we get a President Obama or a President Romney for the next four years, I’m pretty sure Twitter will break tonight.

There will be gripes and groans and giggles of glee from both sides. And in the meantime, adults and children alike will still go to bed hungry tonight. Many will sleep outside without heat or insulation. Financial ruin and emotional sorrow will still remain.

Both candidates have promised enormous things, and whoever wins tonight will fail to deliver. On at least one thing. Undoubtedly many things. And then in four years, the carnival act will resume once more.

Actually, just give it an hour or two before the pundits start analyzing potential candidates for 2016.

Is this where we’re putting our hope? A presidential election? Do we really think either candidate — a mere man — can restore every ailment of an entire country?

If we put our hope in elevating flawed human beings to higher positions of flawed human government in order to repair a flawed human society, we’re in desperate trouble.

I’m not against hope. Not completely pessimistic that our next president will massively impact a country desperate for change. But at the root of true change remains what you and I will do when we encounter someone in need.

I have a bizarre outlook on politics, because truthfully, I’m obsessed sometimes. I can’t get enough of the debates and the ensuing SNL sketches. I often check the latest polls and updated electoral college map, curious where the country is leaning on any given day.

And yet I’m over it.

Our lives may better or worsen with the next four years of political reign, but praise God this election isn’t my ultimate source of hope. Whether my next four years will rock or suck.

Gosh I’m thankful for a far better Home than America.

In the meantime, there’s a starving hurting world out there. Regardless who reigns the next four years, how can I make a difference? How can you?

Scripture says true religion involves taking care of orphans and widows. Not going to church every week.

Not praying without doing.

Certainly not voting for President.

For a moment, forget who gets your vote for bettering the country; how will you make someone’s life better the next four years?

That’s the real question this election.

So, who are you voting for today? JUST KIDDING. SERIOUSLY, DON’T ANSWER THAT QUESTION.