Between Sunrise and Sunset

Sunrise tree, November 2, 2016

On Election Day, I saw a post from a farm wife, suggesting that everyone post a photo of sunrise the next morning. At the time, the polls for Election 2016 were still open. People were still filling in the little ovals next to their choices for president and their Congressional representatives.

She didn't know what the outcome would be. She just wanted to make the point that the sun would come up the next morning - no matter what. And you know what, it did. (True confessions: My sunrise and sunset photos here weren't from yesterday. They have been hanging around on my computer for a little bit, but that's kind of beside the point.)

I don't know how you voted. I'm not planning to reveal how I voted either.  Some of you are happy that Donald Trump is the next president. Some are mourning that the White House won't be occupied by Hillary Clinton come January.

Sunrise, November 2, 2016

But I really believe that it is our own actions between the hours of sunrise and sunset that matter the most - no matter who is sitting in the Oval Office. The president doesn't dictate how I treat my family, my friends or my neighbors. Do I see God's creation in each face I encounter - whether it's a beloved family member or the grocery store cashier or the person coming to get help from the Food Bank? 

Yes, the president impacts our nation. Yet no matter what, God holds us in the palm of His hand. We see it in the sunrises. We see it in the sunsets. We see it in the communities where we live and work and play. 

One of my recent email devotionals from Guideposts had these words:

A Time to Act

Look at the world with a vision magnified by the power of faith deep within you.

Zenith branch, Kanza Co-op, sunset, October 19, 2016

When the sun sets on my day, have I made a difference in the world? With God's help, we're the ones who can change the world for the better. Let's fill our days from sunrise to sunset with all the good things:

Galatians 5:22-23New International Version (NIV)

²² But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, ²³ gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

Stafford branch, Kanza Co-op, sunset, October 19, 2016

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I'm linked to Tell His Story at Jennifer Dukes Lee's website. Visit her blog for more messages of hope and faith and to take the Happiness Dare.