What have I got to hide?

A friend has made up an email to allow friends to gain more information about the various candidates. Two of the candidates have blogs they have published for the campaign. So. . . to publish my blog address or not to publish my blog address . . that is the question. Whether it is nobler in the mind to hide the address from all but my facebook friends and family, or to share it with all the people deciding on how to vote for the Board of Directors here at Lake Monticello.

I found myself rushing to my blog, and scrolling through all of my entries so far. Whew, you can tell that there wasn't much to do in January and February last year when we had all the snow! All my 2010 entries were in those two months. No, I don't see anything convicting or embarrassing in there. . although I suppose a nasty political pundit can make even the most innocent things into sin and guilt of some sort. And there is certainly plenty to convict me of being a Christian. That's good, because I wouldn't want someone to think otherwise, even though I am definitely a sinner and not always the best witness. I guess it will be okay.

And so. . I take the plunge and I'll share my blog address. I apologize to those of you who have rushed to read it in hopes of finding erudite expoundings on the woes and evils of government here and elsewhere. You will find out more about me and about what I think is important - - namely being the best person I can be and maybe helping others be better as well. But certainly not judging them for doing the best they can with what they have.

As the next week goes on, and the blistering heat keeps us indoors a bit more than we might like, I'll try to spend some time writing about LMOA and what I think is important in governing it.

POLITICS!

I find myself neck deep in politics. I am running for the Board of Directors for the wonderful place where I live: Lake Monticello in Virginia. There are six of us running for three seats. Four of my "opponents" are people that I have volunteered with, cried with, laughed with and generally consider to be my friends. Or at least I used to consider them friends. Alas, the fact that I have tried to be considerate and polite to all, and that I have refused to tie myself to anyone seems to make at least a couple of them angry with me. How can you tie yourself to other candidates when you KNOW that you will not agree with them on everything, and that you intend to vote your conscience based on all the facts you can gather whether you agree with them or not?

I have always been somewhat political. . if that's what you call someone who tries to be nice to everyone. In fact, I find it a challenge to try to get grumps to smile. . it's one of those mental games I love to play. And I confess, it is a fault sometimes, but I do try to find the good in everyone. A friend I asked to endorse me in writing confessed that he would not be voting me because basically, I am too nice. This was based on a concern that I would not be able to make hard decisions that might hurt some feelings. . .or jobs. . of people I respect and love. I told him that I have been making hard decisions and managing a classroom . . and more. . for over thirty years. And I spent some time with him seriously discussing some of his concerns which are also my concerns. I also told him that if I lost his vote for being "too nice", than I counted it a privilege to have that label. And left him with a handshake. . .and his vote.

Right or wrong, I intend to do the best job that I can if elected. And I hope to follow the directions of another friend who said, "Don't change who you are". Because who I am is a sinner loved by Jesus, and because of that love, even when I have to make hard decisions that hurt a few in the short term, I will try to love others well.

So, here's to politics!! And my prayer that after all the fur flies and all the votes are counted, that the right will prevail and bad feelings will be left behind. And that everyone will still be working for the best community we can be.