I Never Said I Wanted to be Popular

Many bloggers are documenting their take on the elections today and either touting who won or getting in one last swing.

My reaction? As an American, I celebrate that our democracy continues to be strong. Ultimately, I am an American and I will show respect for my President and choose to pray for him and the many decision makers that have been elected. I am responsible for my actions and although some of the elected officials may not have been my choice, this is a lesson I want my children to learn.

I desire for my boys to be thinkers. I desire for Jeter and Barber to be able to problem solve regardless of their given circumstances. I want them to know that the "blame game" doesn't fix anything. There may be times that they find themselves in a situation that they aren't 100% personally responsible for and yet they need the tools and skills to thrive. I can't help but think of Joseph in the Bible when I talk about this.

These statements that I make regarding my sons reflect what I want for everybody. But I don't have the authority to influence everybody nor do I have that level of responsibility. However, I am responsible for what my sons learn and what I model to them.

Do I want them to be controlled by their emotions - joyful when they are getting their way and pouting when they aren't? No. This reaction displays immaturity.

Do I want them to be strong - grounded in who they are and what they believe regardless of the circumstances they face? Yes.

Granted, these two statements may appear to be oversimplifying things but they sum up what step I take next and why. Last night Jeter asked me what would happen if Obama was elected President. I told him I didn't know for sure. This morning, one of the first questions he asked was who won the election. When I told him, disappointment and concern covered his face. Now I had a choice - do I fuel that or do I empower him? I chose the latter and we talked about what he can do even though he is too young to vote, he isn't too young to have an impact on our world. Our choices are important - maybe even more important when we face adversity.

There is much about this President-Elect that I am uncertain of. There would still be a level of uncertainty if his opponent won. And yet, there is one thing I am certain of - as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord...in all things and at all times.