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How to Feel Rich !!!
Reflection
People often say that, in a democracy, decisions are made by a majority of the people. Of course, that is not true. Decisions are made by a majority of those who make themselves heard and who vote - a very different thing. ~Walter H. Judd
A Word of Hope
It's been a tough couple of months. I won't go into my financial travails, because all of us have them right now in one way or another. Let's just say, Thank God for the food pantry at my church this weekend that even included a box of dog biscuits for Rusty, my red and white border collie.
But something happened today that, in spite of it all, reminded me just how rich, wealthy, and abundantly blessed I am. Or, should I say, we American citizens are.
I voted.
I felt rich because of the miraculous process of democracy and freedom that allows for the nonviolent transfer of power. A couple hundred people stood waiting our turn, in peaceful assembly, no doubt feeling the importance-like I was-of this incredible process.
I felt wealthy because all around me were the well-to-do. I stood in line behind a woman who was carrying a Gucci handbag and had a rock on her finger that was worth more than the gross national product of a third world country, and it was an incredibly empowering experience to realize that my vote counted exactly alongside hers-no less. Then a couple of people back was a man who was obviously on the lower economic status, and it was humbling experience to realize that my vote counted exactly alongside his-no more.
And I felt abundantly blessed to be a citizen of this miraculous country. I don't consider myself all that political, but from the moment I start looking for my voter registration card, something happens. My heart starts pounding, and as I get closer to the voter's box, my knees get a little weak. It's not patriotism that kicks in so much as gratitude, and it happens every time, even more so today with our historic firsts for Presidential and Vice Presidential candidates.
Today I was a good steward of freedom, freedom that others bought and paid for, including my own father and grandfather.
I was rich, wealthy, and abundantly blessed today.
I voted.
Prayer
God of all nations, I thank you that I am a part of this one. Help us here in this great land to cast our votes for those who cast our vision far beyond our borders and into the global community. Amen.
D'Anna C. Chance, Contributor
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