The mind feels a bit foggy, but my thoughts and emotions are clear this morning. A  new day has dawned, just as it did yesterday. I awoke every bit the person I was when I went to sleep last night, but different. You see, with each new day we grow richer in experience – sometimes through  the most mundane of activities and sometimes through historic moments that will influence our character from  that point forward.

The people have spoken. This is liberty. Some will say the outcome of this election is an unbearable price to pay for freedom. Others will rejoice that their voice prevailed and bells extolling freedom will ring triumphantly until we do this all again.   I pray that the best of our character as one nation shines through, and not the worst. We truly are stronger together – a wonderful combination of diversity, kindness, love, and respect.

Congratulations are due to those who sought to lead and those who prevailed. I am betting on America and her great people. This is where her greatness lays – in the hearts and minds, in the courage and convictions, in the acts and aspirations of her wonderfully diverse citizenry. Our differences make us stronger. Opposing thoughts are what make us uniquely human and humanity is at its greatest when it is challenged and when it is free.

Our humanity is not dependent upon the powers of an omnipotent figurehead.   Our humanity depends on the courage of our character – as individuals and in communion with one another.

America has always been an experiment in greatness. The results of that continuous experiment brought us to this day. Let us move forward in grace as we grow in character.

Join me in carrying forth the experiment in greatness and accepting the responsibilities that are inherent of this freedom we all enjoy, no matter who is chosen to  lead us.Don’t run away. Don’t despair. Don’t disparage your neighbor. Rather, let your light shine so brightly that nothing can extinguish the hope and the opportunities for good that meet us with each new day.