What I Learned from My Son from Last Night's Election

Regardless of how you're feeling this morning regarding last night's election results, it was without question a historical night. I was humbled, encouraged & challenged - but not from the election results, rather from my son Drew.
After we ate an early dinner, my son turned on the TV to watch the results come in from voters across our nation. And for the next SEVEN HOURS he was glued to the TV, constantly coming to our bedroom with the latest results of states won and by whom, filling us in on the House of Representatives, the Senate race and local amendments. It took me a little while, but pretty soon I realized I was being schooled by my son and these were the lessons I was being taught:

1 - VOTING is an amazing PRIVILEGE:
This was Drew's first chance to vote for a president and he was pumped! And why wasn't I? Ouch! Honestly, I wasn't going to even turn the TV on until after 10:00. And even as it went past midnight, I just wanted to go to bed, but not my son. Drew realized he gets to have a say, he gets to play a part in the direction of our country, he knows his vote counts and wanted to see how his participation was going to make a difference. It was at this point I realized that I needed to ask God to forgive me for taking this great privilege for granted. My son's enthusiasm had convicted me, I was ashamed and asked forgiveness.

2 - FORGIVENESS is an amazing GIFT:
Neither of the top two candidates are stellar role models. Both have done & said things that are embarrassing & wrong. Drew knows that, I know that, I think our whole country knows that. (By the way, I've done & said stupid stuff too) Both leading candidates have admitted they've done some things wrong. But last night I found myself wanting to hold things said & done against people for life whereas Drew said to me, "everyone messes up some dad." This is one of the things I love most about my son - when he forgives, it's a done deal for him and he moves on. That is what Jesus does with us (1 John 1:9) and Drew is just modeling his Maker! Again - I was convicted, ashamed and I asked forgiveness.

3 - GOD is in CONTROL: 
I know this one,  I just needed to be reminded of it again. Drew wasn't freaking out over that past few weeks, he didn't let this election consume him. He prayed & cast his vote. Period. I don't know, maybe his Aspergers is a gift in these situations! He knows GOD is the one who puts leaders in office and removes leaders from office because the Bible says so (Romans 13:1-5) and he just literally believes it. And so should I. And so should we all.

So after repenting this morning, I want to publicly say THANKS to my son Drew. Last night you were the teacher and I was the student! Thanks for encouraging me to stay up (ok, I may have dozed off a bit). You Rock Son!
Oh, and lessons learned.
Love, your dad (& proud to be your dad)