Election Day Activities

First, let me say that all three of my children were very involved with the outcome of this election. It's not because Jeff and I sit around and talk about politics all the time, but because our kids ask us questions that we give them straight answers to. They probably knew more about what both candidates stood for than a lot of people who voted. I haven't said much here about our views on this election, but I will say that we were all very upset about the outcome. I saw not only disappointment in my children, but also fear of what could happen to us. I put aside my desire to sulk and sat them down with a Bible to help make sense of what had happened. I showed them, through Bible verses, that God is in control and has the ultimate power. I reminded them that in all of our past studies of old world history that every leader was there to fulfill God's purpose. We cannot see the big picture. The only thing we know of for sure is the outcome....because we believe what the Bible tells us. Our ultimate responsibility is to cling to our one true leader and let Him do what is best for us, even when we can't see how it can possibly be.

I think that we all felt better after our little Bible study...I know that I did!

Afterwards, we watched some fun videos on this site: http://www.brainpop.com/spotlight/election/ We've learned most of this information in our past studies, but it was great to refresh all of our minds during this time. It's always funner to watch cool little videos than to read the information in a book!

I printed some fun puzzles for the kids to do as well as blank electoral maps for them to color in. Then, I had each of them count the electoral votes for each candidate to help them understand where the numbers came from. It was a fun way to teach them the difference in popular vote and electoral votes.

Carter made the trip with me to vote. Madison and Patrick were afraid of the long lines, but it was worth it for Carter to get to "help" me vote. I think it was a good experience for him, as always!

I haven't put too much emphasis on the race of each of our candidates for a reason. I think that there are issues way more important when deciding on a President than what his/her race is. Yes, I know that it is very cool for many to imagine witnessing the first time that a Presidential elect is not a white man. I also think that it's scary to imagine how many based their vote solely on that concept. After our discussion this morning on God's sovereignty and our responsibility to honor what He has chosen to do, I did mention to the kids that they had witnessed a huge day in history...one that will always be remembered. Even with their feelings of disappointment, I wanted them to understand the significance of that. All we can do now is look to the future and trust God...it shouldn't be our last resort, but our only one!