Now What?

Last night I hit the bed early because I wanted to be surprised when I woke up.  I fell asleep peacefully knowing that I voted for who I felt would be the best president for myself, family and friends of all ethnicities/ religions/ and sexual affiliations, and ultimately our country- knowing that person would not win because he is a libertarian.  So I knew that this morning, one of the other two would pull it off- I just didn't know who.

My prayers last night focused on peace in hearts and peace on the streets.  Both sides of the political spectrum had a lot of bashing by followers and my biggest concerns that I laid before my God was that that bashing simply stayed in my news feeds and not filter to the streets.

So far, I think that has happened.

One thing, however, saddens me deeply-

all of the posts of how parents are to explain to their kids that a bad, mean man was elected president.

Instead, why can't we explain to our children how the electoral college works?

How every single vote counts... I do believe my home state of Michigan is still not declaring a winner at this moment in time?

Let's explain to them the checks and balances that the founding fathers made to ensure that our president doesn't become a tyrant and do their own thing.

And most importantly, we should explain to our children that real change starts in our very own hearts.  

Our lives matter and we should use them to positively influence the world we live in.  

If that means smiling at strangers,

helping people put things in carts that are too heavy,

driving a family member to the doctor's, 

hugging someone who is happy or sad, 

buying a coffee for a co-worker, 

opening doors for people, 

raking leaving and shoveling snow for the elderly, 

fostering and or adopting a child who needs a home and love, 

sponsoring a child overseas from a third world country,

going on a missions trip,

paying a friend's bill who is struggling, 

the list goes on and on.

There is never a thing as too much love.

I believe we need to be that love.

To explain that to our children who will truly run the world tomorrow.