Today I Walked to the Ballot Box
How can I be like the small poppy who is not anxious about what the day may hold?
I woke up early and sat down with a cup of coffee to finish my ballot. Signed and sealed. Time to walk it down to the ballot box on Ocean Ave next to my neighborhood library.
As I started my walk, I felt weighed down and began talking to God. What are you up to in this election, God? How can we trust you with the results? Pour out your grace on those who win. Pour out your grace on those who lose.
I pray to the fear and anxiety in my heart…
Our Father in heaven
Hallowed be your name.
Your kingdom come,
Your will be done on earth
As it is in heaven.
I was struck with gratitude that I had been given the right and the opportunity to submit my vote. To have some kind of say, no matter how small, in the workings of our nation and specifically our city.
I dropped off my ballot and started heading towards home. On Plymouth Ave, I walked past another voter with ballot in hand. We greeted each other warmly.
I happened to be walking up Eastwood Drive when a small group of parents and their preschoolers were gathered on the sidewalk, ready to start the day at their neighborhood preschool. The teacher was in her yard leading the kids through what must be a daily routine. “Yo soy importante. Yo soy especial.” The kids repeated after her. Then they gave themselves a hug. The teacher stepped onto the sidewalk and gave each parent a hug as they started down the side walkway to the backyard. Her hospitality to these families was stunning. I stopped and introduced myself and told her how beautiful it was to stumble upon this today. She’s been doing this for 18 years.
Continuing up Miramar Ave, I ran into my daughter on her way to school and then immediately ran into my son’s friend on his way to classes at City College. At the corner of our street, a hawk perched on the lamppost. On the sidewalk, the first of the bloom of California poppies peeked out from behind a tree. I exchanged greetings with a surfer pulling a surfboard out of his garage.
I talked to God about all of this. How present you are in the everyday mundane! How kind you are to reveal your kindness and beauty through strangers. How can I be like the small poppy who is not anxious about what the day may hold?
I pray into the presence of goodness and beauty…
Our Father in heaven
Hallowed be your name.
Your kingdom come,
Your will be done on earth
As it is in heaven.
