Voting

Today was a special day-a day to get out and vote.  I have to say-it's never lost on me what a big deal this is and how many lives were lost for me to be able to vote.  I only hope that I can teach my children how important this is.  I WILL teach my children how important this right is, and to not take it for granted. 
I think it's a teachable moment all the way around.  A local election here in our county didn't go how I would have liked, and as a Christian you know that all eyes are on you when things aren't going your way.  I don't mean just me personally, because obviously I'M not that important alone.  :-)  I mean Christians as a whole, all Christians.  So, it is important how you react to such things, to others and to your children.  The way you react is most likely how your children will react themselves when faced with the same situation in a few years.  I know this is true by the amount of times I hear Emilynn say "oh gosh" when something happens, just like me.  I know this because Carson puts his hat on his chair when he eats, just like his Daddy.  Our children mimic our behavior, right from the start.  In a few years they will be able to walk in with us to vote, we just aren't there yet.  The nice ladies did send out stickers for them to wear, which I thought was very sweet and helped them feel like a part of the process. 
So, as I think about voting and all that goes along with it, I think about what I want my children to learn from the experience.  
We will teach our children to pray for all of our elected leaders and their families, no matter what. 
We will teach them to respect them, no matter what.  It's important and I'm thankful.  I'm thankful I had the freedom to go vote today.