Presumably, the 2012 presidential election is over. Let the victors celebrate and the losers weep — or file lawsuits. Given the sharp divide among candidates and parties, the loose-with-the facts nature of the campaigns and the relentless media coverage, it’s a safe bet that most Americans are glad to have the process over with.
What good timing that Thanksgiving and Christmas are the next major events to occupy our attention. Americans need the two-month respite from being assaulted with what’s wrong in the world, a time when Americans are typically at their best, kindest and most generous.
Already, a host of local churches are putting together thousands of “shoebox” gifts to be distributed to poor children all across the globe at Christmas. In a week or two, planners for the annual Thanksgiving dinners for the needy will be focusing on their tasks, and once Thanksgiving is past, countless organizations, from school and church groups to business and industry will find ways to help make Christmas special for needy families and children. Just weeks after presidential elections demonstrated America in turmoil, the refreshing generosity of the people will illustrate that while there are matters that divide us, there are also times when Americans can work together across political, racial and economic lines toward a common goal. A season of such activity is upon us.
If the lengthy process of selecting a president and members of Congress gives us opportunities to be mean-spirited, selfish or condescending toward others, the Thanksgiving/Christmas season provides many chances for redemption. Let’s not waste them.
From the bell ringers of the Salvation Army to food drives conducted by school groups, from the community Thanksgiving dinner prepared at the First United Methodist Church of Commerce to Holiday Connections, there will be myriad opportunities to reach out to the poor, elderly and disadvantaged. What better way to rebound from the long presidential election process than to be part of the holiday efforts to spread the joy of the season throughout the community? It couldn’t come at a better time.
