This article is part of Finding the Words, a newsletter that delivers practical insights on the day’s issues.
We have been through a strenuous season. Across the U.S., many went into this week bracing for what might happen at the polls. There will be plenty of analysis in the days ahead. This morning, I offer something simpler:
For those who woke relieved
And those who woke heartbroken.
For those too tired to feel any way just yet.
For the ones who voted early
And the ones who voted just in time.
For those who knocked on doors and made the calls,
And for the election workers still at it this morning.
For those who poured themselves into campaigns that fell short,
And those celebrating historic firsts,
preparing to walk through doors
that have never opened for someone like them.
Whoever we are, and wherever this finds us,
we all wake to a new day.
Help us steady our hands and slow our minds.
Help us be quick to listen and slow to judge.
Where we won, keep us humble.
Where we lost, keep us working.
And where we disagree, keep us from making enemies of one another.
Democracy was on display yesterday.
Let our practice continue today.
May we bring civility to that practice, and tenderness.
May we be present for the person who needs us.
And may we use this day to simply begin again.
If you lead a team, expect different feelings in the room today. You may not need a statement as much as a moment to listen. Open your meetings by acknowledging the long season and asking how people are doing. And if it helps, you're welcome to borrow this blessing.
We can choose to make today about people, not politics.
This post is part of the Finding The Words column, a series published every Wednesday that delivers a dose of communication insights direct to your inbox. If you like what you read, we hope you’ll subscribe to ensure you receive this each week.
