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I, for one,  am glad that “Election 2024” is in the history books.  It has seemed a long arduous process with so much division, accusation, character assassination, endless chatter, political advertisements, poll taking, predictions, and countless texts and emails focused on candidate fund raising.  It is just unreal how much finances have gone into this presidential and other campaigns.

Among other things, the bright side of this is that so many Americans voted early with millions more voting on November 5th-showed responsible interest in our governmental leaders and appreciation for the privilege of voting in a free nation.  So much concern is a healthy sign of a vibrant nation.

Now, the future!  So how shall we Americans respond to the results of this recent election?  Of the countless ways before us, God’s way is still the best “to love Him and our neighbor as ourself.”  And, of course, this kind of love goes beyond feelings.  In the New Testament, love is not a feeling, it is an admonition or command. After speaking of this love requirement to his followers, Jesus said, “By this every one will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:35). Therefore, love is not an option, it is an identification and a strategy for changing a home, a nation or a world.  “To love Him and our neighbor as ourself”-what that means is that we will refuse to succumb to our lesser or darker side or nature.  We will refuse to allow our thinking to be dominated by those who would sow discord, fear or hatred.  We will refuse to gloat over winning or losing an election realizing that Americans haves the right of honest difference of opinion.

Putting this in a more positive vain, we Americans would do well to make the old Gospel hymn our guiding principle and practice-“I’m pressing on the upward way…” If so, that might mean forgiveness and new relationships, politicians crossing the aisle in the greater inherent, acceptance of all people and working together and cooperating with all Americans in a new unity.

“I’m pressing on the upward way”-that’s my prayerful hope for America!