Grace, Gratitude, and the Election

Posted by DJL on Nov 7, 2012 in Culture | 3 comments

The day after any national election is usually one of powerful and diverse emotions – celebration and relief on one side, disappointment and grief on another – and never more so than after an election as grueling and at times divisive as this one. Yet amid these divergent and conflicting emotions, I find myself filled with a sense of gratitude and grace that has little to do with the election results themselves but rather springs from several elements of the day, elements that while viewed perhaps as peripheral by many seem to me to be at the very core of who and what we are as a people. Here are the ones that immediately come to mind and that I can count on one hand:

1) The greatest power on earth and known to history once again engaged in a peaceful transfer of power. Yes, there were problems – incidents of misleading phone calls and other attempts at voter suppression; too much unidentified and outside money, etc. But by and large I find it once again remarkable that, given what’s at stake in terms of power and influence, we are consistently and reliably able to affirm our conviction that God’s people are best served by a system that governs by the consent of the governed.

2) I was inspired by the fervent and often creative attempts to make sure every eligible American had a chance to vote, particularly in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy. The heroic efforts of all those who set up impromptu places to vote, transported people, stood in incredibly long lines to exercise their right and responsibility – all this and more affirmed our commitment to the democratic processes that define us.

3) I was encouraged by the graciousness of the two candidates’ speeches. Governor Romney, who has pursued this office for the better part of six years, briefly and eloquently conceded the election, pledged his support to the country, encouraged his supporters to pursue their commitments with the welfare of the nation at heart, and thanked all the many thousands who pledged him their time and support. President Obama articulated a powerful vision of an America defined by its common commitments and invited his opponent to conversation about the future of the country. Yes, this election was marred by its bitter attacks, but the graciousness of our leaders at its close bodes well for our future.

4) I don’t know whether New Jersey Governor Chris Christie’s expression of gratitude to President Obama affected the election results, but I do believe it captured our imagination because it endorsed what we so desperately want: leaders who are willing to put aside their political differences and work to solve the major issues of they day. This is far easier to do, perhaps, during a national tragedy, but the response of the nation provided perhaps the clearest mandate of the evening: we want you to work together!

5) There was a lot of commentary last night on the changing demographics of our nation. While much of that analysis revolves around what each party needs to do to capture the Latino vote, for instance, I found it incredibly encouraging to think, as Andrew Sullivan puts it, that “this country’s experiment truly is in diversity as well as democracy.” There is an opportunity in front of us, I believe, to see in those who are different from us not a threat but instead a gift, a gift from God to draw us more deeply into connection with all of God’s human family.

So on whatever place of the emotional gamut you find yourself, I hope that you can take some comfort and encouragement by some of the “ordinary” elements of yesterday’s events that make this country and its democratic processes extraordinary. And, in the meantime, perhaps you will join me in a prayer:

Dear God, you have blessed this national with riches in heritage and opportunity beyond our imagining or deserving. Let us give thanks for these gifts and pledge our commitment to use them to care for the people and world you love so much. Unite us behind a noble purpose, ignite our hearts with love for our fellow human beings, and inspire us by the example of your goodness, mercy and compassion that we see most clearly in the person of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.