After

We wake up this morning either excited or disappointed at the results of the US elections. Both John McCain and Barack Obama were masterful in making the more important point: it isn't this result that matters as much as the choices we will all make after.

Many years ago, I read a book by a Jewish philosopher. I have tried to locate a certain passage again, never successfully. Now I can't even remember the philosopher's name. But I remember this image: the nuclear holocaust has taken place, the last living man on earth contemplates his next action. What does he do? He goes out to turn swords into ploughshares. Even if his messianic faith has been destroyed, he serves the bigger vision.

What was the right thing for any one of us to do last week, is the right thing to do today, tomorrow:
to act justly
to love tenderly
to walk humbly with God.
(Micah 6:8)

Both John McCain and Barack Obama invite us to serve a cause greater than ourselves--a dream bigger than ourselves, a hope that inspires and challenges us.

God bless all the newly elected leaders in their future service. And God bless all of us who have to exercise our responsible citizenship every day--each contributing our gifts and talents to serve that bigger vision. We are all the people of God, called to serve the body of Christ.