samgamgee

there is a lot to be said and my mind is still groggy.  first, yesterday proved once again the greatness of our country.  the process worked.

i found this map telling…as you see how the vote for “change” were grounded mostly in the state’s urban centers and the rust belt.  there is a distinct disconnect and there is much work to be done.  we need a political revival of sorts…one that will re-establish the limits of government and the responsibility we each have as earthly citizens.

i found it interesting the contrast of civility this morning as i watched clips from last night when president-elect obama gave acknowledgment to senator mccain’s hard fought efforts.  the crowd though a bit muffled were affirming.  when senator mccain mentioned his making the concession call, there was boos and groans.  it may seem small but i think there’s something there.  it reflects a deeper yearning if you will.  a longing for the political process to bring about a good and better life.  which is why we talk about good government.  but there is a limitation.  we sometimes expect too much from that process.  and i would suggest is one reason, why obama accomplished what he did.  it is a new day.  and the harder and more complicated task will be to govern.

one of my mentor’s mark driscoll has an excellent post here (ht – tony steward) and mark nails it.  here’s a clip…

People are longing for Jesus, and tragically left voting for mere presidential candidates. For those whose candidate wins today there will be some months of groundless euphoric faith in that candidate and the atoning salvation that their kingdom will bring. But, in time, their supporters will see that no matter who wins the presidency, they are mere mortals prone to sin, folly, and self-interest just like all the other sons of Adam and daughters of Eve.

one of my students texted me late last night…

if Christians had their priorities straight we would be a lot better off.

i hear their heart and it is a true statement…and it is a complicated solution.  what keeps us from living out our faith in the public arena is our brokenness and our sinfulness and we have much to push through.

as we awake this morning, there is change.  the good thing is there will be an orderly and safe transition.  that is the american tradition.  but  the mandate is not large.  the election map shows.  we need to look beyond the limits of our political process and focus on the spiritual vacuum that desperately needs those who follow the way of the Cross to offer an answer.

as we wrestle with the implications of political change it seems these words from another illinois resident may offer our charge.

With malice toward none, with charity for all, with firmness in the right as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in, to bind up the nation’s wounds, to care for him who shall have borne the battle and for his widow and his orphan, to do all which may achieve and cherish a just and lasting peace among ourselves and with all nations.

President Abraham Lincoln – Second Inaugural Address