by Rebecca Hodson
Tomorrow, we might wake up to uncertainty. Headlines may not reveal a clear winner, and pundits will stoke the fires of chaos while speculation floods our feeds. But amidst the whirlwind, there’s one thing worth holding onto: gratitude. Gratitude for living in a country anchored by the U.S. Constitution. This document has kept our Republic steady through every storm, ensuring that no single branch wields unchecked power and that our freedom endures beyond the frenzy of Election Day.
Our Republic is built on more than choosing a president. The real power is found in down-ballot races—the state house, the state senate, the school board, the city council, and so on. These are the offices that won’t trend on social media or make the evening news, but they are crucial. The Founders understood that a thriving Republic depends on strong states and local leadership, where power is distributed to reflect the needs of communities. These local and state officials make decisions that impact daily life more than any pronouncement from Washington.
When my girls were little, I read them books filled with fables and parables from around the world. The stories were simple, yet their wisdom cut straight to the heart of life’s complexities. One story that stayed with me is about a farmer whose fortunes swung wildly with every new day. He lost his only horse, drawing pity from the village. Then the horse returned with a herd, sparking envy. When his son broke his leg trying to train one, it seemed like a disaster—until war came, and his injury spared him from the draft.
The villagers, quick to judge, exclaimed, “How fortunate you are! Your son is safe!” But the farmer, steady and wise, said only, “Who can say what is truly good or ill? We shall see.”
He understood what many of us forget: life is unpredictable, and true meaning unfolds over time. As we refresh our screens for election updates and listen to voices insisting that defeat means our country will burn, it’s easy to fall into panic. But that’s when we need the wisdom of the old farmer. Stay steady. Remember what matters. Outcomes shift, headlines scream, but our resilience, commitment to principles, and belief in the long game will carry us through, no matter what tomorrow holds.
This is the perspective we need as we wait for results. The story of the farmer reminds us that life is full of unexpected turns—victories can come with hidden costs, and setbacks can hold unforeseen blessings. So when you vote, stay anchored to what matters. Voting isn’t just about choosing a president; it’s about those down-ballot races that hold the core of democracy. They embody the Founders’ belief in the power of states and community-driven leadership.
Whatever happens at the top of the ticket, remember that real change comes from those who dedicate their time and talent to serve at the local level. These individuals shape our future in ways national figures cannot. As you cast your vote, hold onto the gratitude for living in a country where this choice is yours. Let the lesson of the old farmer guide you—stay steady in uncertainty and trust that focusing on what’s important is what keeps us rooted and free.
