Proud to be an American

With the way things ended yesterday, I must say that I am still proud to be an American.  Not so much just because an African-American is in the high office (though this is HUGE!), but because of what didn't happen.  There was no rioting.  No coup-de-ta (spelling?).  George Bush didn't surround the White House with tanks and thousands of troops refusing to concede.  John McCain didn't lambast the president-elect nor the American people.  No, we once again have had an arms-free transfer of power from one man to another.  And though the actual transfer is still a few months away and there will be criticisms and maybe even threats, I'm proud to live in a country that doesn't burst into Civil War every time a new president is elected.

I think we all owe a debt of gratitude to Senators McCain, Obama, and Biden, and to Governor Palin.  Though we may have substantial disagreements with some (I have pretty big disagreements with all of them), they still are the ones who have sacrificed their time in service (and hopeful service) to their country.  And they will continue to do so, no matter what office they hold.  These are true Americans, who love our country, and who are dedicating their lives to make our country work.  Let us pray for each of them--and all our leaders, everyday.  The weight of leadership at that level is next to unbearable, and they need us--the Christ-followers in America--to lift them up in prayer everyday.

God bless America (and the whole world too)