Maybe We Should Just Cheer For Him

My apologies to any Obama fans out there, but I was not one of you during this election season. There are certainly some things that I admire about him as a person, but there are some moral and fiscal issues that I just can’t get past. To be honest, I have grown weary of politics … one of my favorite parts of “The Shack” is when Jesus indicates his disdain for “religion, money, and politics”. So throughout this most recent election cycle, I found myself as a marginal McCain supporter, just wishing there were a good fiscal/social conservative to support, and largely disengaged from the process.

With that said, I am encouraged by the unity that has been achieved, particularly the racial unity and the perceived barrier that has been broken with the election of this president. I don’t believe much in a platform of “change”, but I do believe a change from business as usual in any organization has the potential to create excitement and positive results.

But enough about what I think and on to some deeper insights. I guess I must have expressed my frustration over the election, the candidates, and the results more than I thought. I knew I had verbalized some of the topics and issues with my kids, but didn’t realize the extent to which they had considered my concerns.

I got a glimpse of the results recently as my 7-year old and I were driving to a basketball practice. He said “Dad, it’s interesting that Obama is president now and I really haven’t noticed a difference.” He said it in a tone that indicated that he thought the world might have ended now that our new president was in office. But he quickly followed up by saying “You know, Dad, we really just need to pray that he does a great job. Maybe we should just cheer for him.”

Friends, that is some good advice coming from a 7-year old. I had recently come to that conclusion myself, but am even more convinced of it now … and thankful that my kids are capable of overcoming some of the fears that I undoubtedly place in their minds. Regardless of my concerns, I will cheer for this president to do a great job, to support just causes, and to carry the mantle of protecting this nation's freedom.