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.