For months we’ve been hearing about the big vote in Iowa today, and for good reason. Picking a party’s presidential candidate is a significant opportunity to help advance our country’s ideals. Who we vote for is a reflection of our priorities and personal convictions. 
But unlike most states, the Iowa process is a bit complex. It’s also somewhat messy.
Just like life.
In Iowa, there are 1,774 caucus sites. Candidates are permitted to attend and campaign at any of them. The atmosphere at caucuses can be spirited and robust with individual voters standing up and making impassioned pleas for their man or woman of choice. After everyone has said their piece, slips of paper are distributed and a vote is taken and tallied.
Good old-fashioned democracy with a touch of old-school charm.
Isn’t it a wonderful country where a person can stand and speak and vote their conscience without fear or worry?
Tonight’s vote won’t determine the all-important question of how many delegates a specific candidate will be awarded. At a caucus election, delegates are chosen for the state convention, which is held at a later date. So today’s caucus is only the beginning of Iowa’s presidential process. 
I said it was a bit convoluted.
It seems fitting to begin the New Year with talk of an important election. Because man is faulted and imperfect, politics is, too. We may have our ideas and plans for 2012, but it is the Lord who will have His way. I can’t predict what will unfold this year, but I know this is true:
If, in the words of Paul, I do my best according to God’s direction “and having done all, to stand,” (Ephesians 6:13), and I’m willing to turn these next months over to Him – things may or may not turn out according to my plans – but they will turn out right. They’ll turn out right because they’ll unfold according to His will, not mine.
Glory to God in highest heaven,
Who unto man His Son hath given;
While angels sing with tender mirth,
A glad new year to all the earth.
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