The Mother Hen

1.20.09 A New Day Dawns

Jeff stayed home from work to watch, the kids waved little flags, I sat in front of the TV wiping away tears and our American flag hung proudly outside. How much fun is the pomp and pageantry of a new president's Inauguration? I love how the majority of the Country stands still, puts aside differences and offers prayers and good-will for the beautiful burden placed upon one servant's shoulders.

You could almost taste the hope in the air. There is something incredibly exciting about a fresh start and the 2 million plus in DC yesterday wore it on their faces like the gloves on their frigid hands.

I find myself intrigued by President Obama's appeal to the masses and think anyone as charismatic, young and fresh would be received much the same way but there does seem to be something special about him nonetheless. While I do agree with many of his policies and am excited for his agenda I find myself drawn even more to his heart for service and his unfaltering belief that America's greatest day is yet to be seen. I believe he has stirred a generation's heart much like Kennedy did in the 60's and its exciting to be a part of that. I'm drawn to his call for Americans to sacrifice and have already been doing my web checking on service opportunities in my community. We should be proud we have a president who unabashedly calls citizens to serve something greater than themselves and to be their brother's keeper.

It is hard to pick a favorite part from yesterday's address because it was all so darn good but in re-reading it this morning I found myself welling up all over again at these words: "Now, there are some who question the scale of our ambitions — who suggest that our system cannot tolerate too many big plans. Their memories are short. For they have forgotten what this country has already done; what free men and women can achieve when imagination is joined to common purpose, and necessity to courage.

"What the cynics fail to understand is that the ground has shifted beneath them — that the stale political arguments that have consumed us for so long no longer apply. The question we ask today is not whether our government is too big or too small, but whether it works — whether it helps families find jobs at a decent wage, care they can afford, a retirement that is dignified. Where the answer is yes, we intend to move forward. Where the answer is no, programs will end. Those of us who manage the public's dollars will be held to account — to spend wisely, reform bad habits, and do our business in the light of day — because only then can we restore the vital trust between a people and their government. "

I lift my prayers for former President Bush as he adjusts (probably happily) to life as a regular citizen and for the 44th president Obama and his lovely family. As Christ followers we are called to pray for our leaders, despite if we voted for them or not, so I encourage you to be obedient to God and pray for your local and national leaders as you do for your friends and family.