Promises

Today was election day here in Ecuador. For the last week, Puyo streets have been a sea of campaign parades. Our daughter, Gracie, loves to point out the colorful “Pachakutik” flags. (Here in Ecuador, the rainbow flag designates a coalition of tribal nations.) Many seem sure that their candidate or party is the cure we need; others, like the gentleman who printed the “Rambo to the Rescue” sign, seem to have given up on all the current options. On my walk back home from the grocery store the other day, I was struck by all the fervor to bring about change. It’s right to seek to do justly and to love mercy. It’s right that we use whatever power we are given in the world to tangibly love and do right by our neighbor. But at the same time, I know that there really is only One who will rule in complete righteousness. I have the immense privilege to not only know Him, but to belong to Him and be called His child. Hundreds if not thousands of people this week happily and boldly “showed their colors” if you will, because they sincerely believe what they promote will be good for their community. I want to offer, with the same hopeful abandon, the good news we have in Christ, because He truly does keep His promises! I know the Rescuer and it sure isn’t Rambo. 🙂

As I left the noise of downtown behind me and headed toward our neighborhood, I stopped, comforted by the stability and quietness of the hills just beyond. I love to pause there- it makes me remember the verses in Psalm 121 that say, “I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence comes my help. My help comes from the Lord, which made heaven and earth.” It’s not the hills we draw our help from; it’s our relationship with the Maker of them!