What I've been teaching my kids (and myself) today

Now that the election is behind us (thankfully), this morning I've been thinking
about how it has affected our homeschooling this year. I'm realizing that we have much to
be thankful for, and I'm so grateful for all of the deep discussions I've had with
my family lately. I'm thankful for all of the teachable moments that I've been able to
take advantage of during the last few months. Here are a few thoughts I've shared with my
children today, and where I think we all need to think about going from here:

1) I am so thankful that we live in a country where we are free to vote, free to
homeschool, and free to worship. It was great to see the turnout yesterday. The process
worked. As far as we know, there was very little violence and corruption, and despite a
huge division of beliefs, for the most part the voting went very smoothly and
peacefully. For this we can be thankful!

2) We need to be diligent to continue to pray for our country and for
President-Elect Obama. 1 Timothy 2:1 "I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers,
intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone - for kings and all those in authority, that
we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness." We may not all agree
with Obama's politics, but we can -- and should -- pray for God to guide his leadership and
for God to bless his time in office.

3) It's time to come together as a country. We have deep differences in
political beliefs, but now that the election is over and the people have spoken, we need to support
and respect our leaders. Romans 13:1-4a "Everyone must submit himself to the
governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established.
The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, he who
rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so
will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but
for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then
do what is right and he will commend you. For he is God's servant to do you good."
Again, despite political differences, Obama is the man that God has placed as our leader for a
time. We need to respect him and respect the office of the Presidency.

4) Our family has been studying the civil rights issues of the pre-Civil War
period for a few weeks now. We have been reading about the terrible existence of slavery and
the divisions it caused in our nation. How wonderful it is, in light of this study,
to know that we are now at a time in our nation's history where it is possible for a person
of any race or gender to be in the highest office in the land. Despite how you may feel about
Obama, isn't it wonderful to know that we live in a truly free nation? Yes, racism
still exists, unfortunately. Hatred still exists. But this is truly a historic day that
should be celebrated.

5) Finally, this is a wonderful opportunity to show ourselves, as Christians,
as those who are truly full of God's love and grace. Let's walk the talk. In sports, we
teach our children to not to be sore losers. If your choice of candidate did not win last night,
we should at least be graceful, peaceful, and loving to the winners. I think that's what
Jesus would have us do.