Interesting that I’m writing on this day, a day of great anxiety for so many. It wasn’t intentional but rather a byproduct of a busy life. Sometimes, folks just need a word of stability, a word of care and compassion.
I liken my life sometimes to a small boat that has been pulled off its mooring and is floating about in calm lake waters, only to start swaying back and forth, softly at first from a gentle breeze and then more frightening as the waters around me find waves of strength and might as though from the sea. The winds pick up and seem to casually toss me around without so much as an asking of permission. But then, just as quickly as the roiling began, the waters calm again, all the while I’m trying to keep standing upright. My bet is that you can relate.
Relationships can often feel like we’re at the mercy of the deck of cards dealt that day, dependent on the change of wind direction, certainly dependent on mood and circumstance. We often feel as though there is no constancy, no consolation, no oars to guide the boat. And that’s exactly when it’s necessary to hang on to the one thing that does not change.
Each passing generation has been rocked to its core with internal and external division, wars followed by peace, calm followed by chaos. This season is no different, though it is ours to fret the outcomes of votes cast, prayers prayed by both sides. Yet One remains. He is faithful and true.
I offer a simple blessing; one of hope, one of absolute truth. Psalm 23 was written by King David over a 1000 years ago. Read that again. One thousand years ago. It gave peace then and I hope it gives you peace today.
“The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Even though I walk in the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever.”
This election too shall pass, and no one will remember in 1000 years. He however, will still sit on the throne.
Elaine
