As I walked out of the post office an older gentleman was parking his car. When I got into my car he walked over to my window and tried to say something. His hair was white and he was a little bent over. I was a little surprised and wondered what he needed.
I rolled down my window and he asked, “How does it feel to live in a foreign country?”
I was flummoxed and finally asked, “What do you mean?”
He pointed to my shirt and said, “I noticed the map on your shirt.”
I was wearing a t-shirt with this slogan:
“Oh, I see.” I smiled. “I think I have more of a voice in Michigan.”
He chuckled. I wondered if he recognized my frustration with Illinois politics.
We wished each other a good day.
My mind is on politics. My perspectives are quite different from the two Senators that represent me in Washington D.C. Earlier in the day I had tried expressing my thoughts to them in an e-mail, hoping that Neil Gorsuch would be confirmed for the Supreme Court. I wondered if the effort was worth it.
Perhaps I have a better chance to make my voice heard on the local level. We are having an election for the school board and village trustees. I looked into the issues and candidates. I will vote.
Sometimes I am frustrated as I think about the problems in our country and the future for my grandchildren. We have complex social and health issues. What should we do? What is my role as a follower of Jesus?
In a way, the world is a foreign country. The Lord has chosen to place us here so that we can have an impact. He has given us the Word and asks our obedience.
Jesus prayed for his followers: I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. And for their sake I consecrate myself, that they also may be sanctified in truth. I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. John 17: 15-21
This prayer is a comfort to me and I hope it gives comfort to you too. When we spend time in God’s word we will receive the guidance we need.
We are invited to pray. Jesus taught us to approach God in prayer as our Father in heaven.
As citizens of this country we have the opportunity to vote. It is a way to use our voice.
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