30 Days of Thanksgiving: Days 13 & 14

30 Days of Thanksgiving

Day 13-14, 2012: I just got back from voting.  Yes, it was a bit cold out this morning, cloudy and dreary as well, but I was not missing the opportunity that most of this world never knows.  I got to walk into a warm building, be greeted by friendly and helpful poll workers, stand in line with strangers who all seemed pleasant and happy to be there and boldly, without fear, cast my vote for who I think should lead our great nation.  I am so thankful that I have that freedom. 

I am also thankful for a special group of girlfriends.  We have come together through a mutual love of books to form a little book club.  Through our shared love of words we have developed a wonderful, supportive sisterhood.  Although we only officially meet once a month, I am so thankful for these sweet women and the special blessings they are. 

And you will say in that day: “Give thanks to the Lord, call upon his name,

make known his deeds among the peoples,

proclaim that his name is exalted. “Sing praises to the Lord, for he has done gloriously;

let this be made known in all the earth.

Isaiah 12:4-5 (ESV)

Please join me in celebrating 30 Days of Thanksgiving by leaving a comment sharing what you are thankful for today!

Thoughts on Voting...

Did you vote today?  Are you going to vote today?  I did, bright and early this morning. 

On my way to the local polling place, I was really struck with the wonder of what was happening. 

Now, I am not new to voting, I have been doing it for several decades (did I say decades?...ouch) but this morning I was unusually awed by the experience.

First, I was humbled by the very fact that I had the freedom to vote.  It is really amazing that I...plain old me....could walk in and have my say on people that will hold a great deal of power and cast a vote yes or no on some heady issues...I got to do that.  But more importantly, I was awed by the very fact that I could do it without fear.  I had freedom from fear...not a single concern for my own safety.  I was able to make my stand without one thought of retribution or punishment going in or out of the polling station.  It is a freedom I know I have taken for granted so many times, but not this time.  This time I thought of all those in the world that have never, and will never know, that kind of freedom.

Also, I can't even contemplate MY freedom without saying a prayer of thanks for all the men and women that  have made and continue to make great sacrifices (and especially those who paid the ultimate price).  There are so many that have fought to insure that I could vote. I pray that my children will always know this freedom.

When I entered the polling place, it was different than in years past (in non-presidental years, that is ) in that there were long, long lines!  I was so surprised and so very pleased.  It was thrilling to see so many of my fellow citizens standing in the cold, waiting patiently to vote...peacefully.  What a wonderful sight!  I know some folks may struggle with patience if they arrive to vote and have to wait in line,  but not me.  I was honored to wait and would gladly have waited longer....for this Freedom.

VOTE!

VOTE for Saxby!

Don't leave it to chance, GEORGIA...pray then get out and VOTE!