In the card game Spades, there are time when I get a certain kind of hand that seems to put me in a dilemma when it comes to bidding my hand.  Either choice I make seems to have undesirable consequences, which leads me to want to do nothing (which would mean, that I was quitting the game).  And I don't quit!  Instead, I make a decision that will lead to the lesser penalty if I don't get my bid, and the game continues.  I say all this because I'm sure more than a few of us have a similar feeling when it comes to the choices we make at election time, whether it be the general election on November 6 or the decisions that we are being asked to vote on that have to do with the future of Hot Springs Village.

I hope you will agree with me that we shouldn't give in to the temptation to do nothing, even when we believe (probably rightly) that either way we go will lead to some undesirable consequences.  The fact, hopefully, is that our decision and whatever the outcome of the final vote is, will have some positive consequences for the future.

I urge all of us to take the time to be informed before casting our ballots, and also pray for God's guidance, with the ways and example of the Lord always in our minds and hearts.

While it is true that so much that happens locally and nationally is "out of our hands" on a day-to-day basis, we are certainly affected by decisions that are made by elected and appointed people, and we are blessed to live in a country where we have a say at the ballot box and in other ways - long after elections are over.  Getting involved is always a good thing, especially when our doing so has potential benefits for us, others, and for the world in which we live.

PLEASE VOTE and consider joing me for the patriotic rosary on election day, November 6, at 8:30 a.m. followed by Mass at 9:00.  We know there are ALWAYS positive results when we pray!