Election Afterglow?

It depends on your political persuasion whether you are now basking in or bewailing the election. The electorate, polarized right or left, has left a sparsely populated centre. I have to assume that nearly 40% that didn’t vote are content to accept any result.

While I would prefer a greater voter turnout, an election is not a priority for many, reminding us that we can become too animated about the result. A pleasant drive to Calgary yesterday helped bring some balance.

We left Lethbridge early heading west, a bright rising sun behind us. The Rocky Mountains, in a fresh garment of snow, spread in fluorescent relief before us to north and south for over 100 miles, like a chain of frosted jewels draping the skyline.

I ruminated on the turbulent Trudeau years, the beginning of my Canadian history as a British transplant, to the recent fractious minority governments; on what has often been a bumpy ride between frustration and elation over the years.

But those mountains, solid and vast in their serene beauty stood firm long before my time and will remain long after I am gone. Despite my misgivings or hope for the future of Canada, this great country will continue to display its beauty despite its leaders’ political shenanigans.

I was reminded again of our unchanging Creator; “the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin” (Exodus 34:6-7).

Far more permanent, vast and trustworthy than even those mountains, a life sheltered in His care can ride out all the storms of this life, political or personal, we may encounter. And while we justly involve ourselves in the future direction of our country, our leaders will never be the final influence in our lives.

It is this assurance that places the events of this world into manageable perspective. The actions and attitudes of those who govern us will never be the ultimate focus of our lives, or guarantee of our future.