“My fellow Americans, our long national nightmare is over.” – Gerald Ford

Okay, America, let’s take a deep breath. It’s election day, and – no matter what happens – tomorrow morning (Wednesday) we will still wake up in the greatest country on the face of the earth!

In the certain eventuality that either Donald Trump or Hillary Clinton becomes our president elect (I hate to be the one to break it to you, but it’s going to happen, one way or the other), there are a few things I’d like us to have parked in the front of our minds going forward.

A host of cogent thoughts has come to mind, but I’ll limit this post to the following ten:

1. We may not know what the future holds, but we do know who holds the future. Love wins!
2. The genius of the U.S. Constitution is not only still in play, but holds much greater significance than any temporary head of state.
3. At the foundation of our democracy is trust in the electoral process, respect for those we disagree with, and the peaceful transition of power.
4. The carefully calibrated balance between the three branches of government may be tedious at times, but it always steers us through.
5. It’s important to remember that they’re called checks and balances – not bodychecks and personal fouls.
6. If we really do value government of the people, by the people, for the people, then we the people need to become increasingly well versed in our knowledge, and ever more deliberate in our application of both our rights and our responsibilities.
7. We are not only a forgiven people, we are also called to be generous, grace-filled, and forgiving.
8. A house divided against itself cannot stand.
9. Listening invariably solves more problems than yelling.
10. There’s a lot that needs to be done over the next four years, so let’s get on with it!

The only way we can get anything done in a democracy is via listening, compromise, grace, and mutual respect: it turns out to be the only way forward.

HOPE!

But I am completely hopeful, because I understand the character and the determination of these United States of America. We may not come out of this 2016 election unscathed (and that might not be a bad thing); but I do believe we can move forward from this point committed to a better, more inclusive, hope-filled future.

Peace, blessings, and promise – always – DEREK