It took an hour but I did it.  Six days before the 2016 presidential election I went to early voting.  I had been to this same early voting place, a local library, last week but decided to try again later because there was a long wait.  On Wednesday before Nov.8, however, I was ready to wait.  I thought about my civic duty as I was driving there.  Suddenly, I was energized by the idea that I would soon cast my ballot.

Getting to vote and let my voice count means so much to me.  I think that it meant a lot to others too.  I talked with a man whose wife held their baby boy as she voted.  He told me that when she was pregnant she voted in the primary and they put an “I Voted” sticker on her belly which was carrying their baby.  Voting is certainly a family affair in that sweet home!  

After months of debates, ads on TV and wondering, Americans are about to wrap up the waiting.  The election results will be here and we will have a new President.

I also have been waiting for a few weeks on an answer.  I had applied for a $5,000 education grant but received news today that it was not funded.  I have been so blessed to receive educational grants for my classroom in the past and was hopeful that good news would come.  Unfortunately, they thanked me for applying.  Of course I felt disappointed but also relief.  The waiting was over.  I had my answer.

This afternoon, my mother also received news after waiting for two weeks in tremendous pain.  Her MRI showed bursitis along with some other concerns.  The doctor shot her hip with medicine which should help her feel better.  I know that she has been waiting for two weeks to get a diagnosis and relief.  I have prayed for her healing and for her to be comforted so my prayers are now being answered.  Others have prayed with and for my mother for which I am thankful.  We know that He has heard and is answering our prayers.

There are days when we wait for our answer then there are many days and weeks before the answer comes.  I knew that when I asked God for His will to be done in my grant, that He would either provide it or say no.  I accept His No.  Sure, I spent hours developing the ideas and composing the grant, but it was not meant to be.  Concerning my mother, I am also thankful to hear that her hip should recover.  There will be another month or so while she will have to limit her movement and use a walker.  The walker will support her and preserve her health as she waits on the healing.

I am also waiting on my foot to heal from a stress fracture.  I have had to wear a boot from the podiatrist to support and suspend my foot so the top can heal.   I have to treat my foot with care and know that I am following doctor’s orders.  As I have prayed, I am trusting for my Heavenly Father to heal my foot and heal my mother.  It wasn’t His will for me to receive the grant, but He will provide what I need for my students.

I am trusting God to allow His choice for President to be declared the winner.  It was such an honor for me to get to vote.  Each voice matters in the election.  We will have to trust God when the results are revealed that God is sovereign over this world and our lives.  We can have gladness if we trust in Him.  I pray that we will expectantly wait as we embrace God’s love.  My hope is in The Lord!

Psalms 33: 20-22

Our soul waits for the Lord; he is our help and our shield. For our heart is glad in him, because we trust in his holy name. Let your steadfast love, O Lord, be upon us, even as we hope in you.