Dear Emi,
The last call I took last night was from JD...(your first cousin once removed, which sounds so distant within a loving family, from now on, he is just your cousin)...."Aunt Kathy, Ohio is lost." To which I replied, "then it is over." And it was. The election has been decided, and my mind had to come to grips with it also. It started that process the minute that I was on the phone. JD, was recently called to serve a two-year mission for our church to Seattle, Washington, our conversation ended with this, "JD, this just makes the next two years of your life all the more important." He now begins the work of opening eyes to a nation that seems to be gradually closing their eyes to the word and love of God. And I am not simply speaking of just the Presidential decision we made yesterday, there were many things on the ballot, and ALL OF THEM involved God.
Strangely enough, I went to bed with a feeling of incredible peace, hope, and an increasing resolve to wake up in the morning and not WASTE ONE MOMENT of time within my own circle of influence.
Although we may have been blinded to it, this election was largely about the issue of personal accountability. And as I have listened to the battle of this issue unfold over the airwaves, I have learned a couple of things. Satan is a master craftsman of words.....but he can never "craft" feelings. PEACE is a gift from God, which is given when we obey His word. There will be hardships that my family will face because of the practices of politicians, but we will be okay. No amount of policies, government officials, checks, or reassuring words, can soothe a trouble conscience in the the middle of the night.
This morning I woke up and took a walk with your Uncle Daniel and Joey! Joe is funny, he will ride his bike to the corner, briefly stop and say "Mom, LOOK, a SIGN STOP!" Then with very little regard to its meaning, he will ride on. It reminds me of a story from Elder Bednar. On September 12th, 2001, he had a meeting with President Hinckley. The Prophet walked into the room and said, "Brethren, we live in troubled times....Now let's get to work!" So, in the Spirit of Joey and President Hinckley, we can recognize this for what it is, but now it is time to get to work!
Emi, none of this is a surprise to the Lord.
Love, your hopeful Grandma
P.S. President Monson said, and I agree, "The future is as bright as your faith!"
Thanks Kathryn, I need lots of positive encouragement today, feeling a little glum. Although I know that you are right, we must work on our own circle of influence (I read this in a Steven Covey book). Incredibly enough, I have read about 99% positive coming from the right, the team that lost! Gracious and positive words to move forward and do our best. Not to mope or whine! Thanks again!
ReplyDelete"The future is bright as your faith", I like that quote- I've been looking for another quote to put on my chalk board. Thank you sharing this letter.
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