Politics: Different Gifts

I don't know about you, but during heated times of politics (i.e. presidential race) I tend to step back and take an independent position.  

"Don't you care about who runs this country?"
"I do care, but I believe there's more than one right person for the job."

Part of the reason I take my independent stance is I get sick of all the 'mud slinging', the crap that haunts our televised commercial breaks with propaganda.  The real reason though is something a little deeper (yeah I'm full of deep thoughts).

I have friends and know people who really get into politics, but that's not everybody.  The stats about the number of people who actually participate in voting is, to me, quite shocking.  I've heard in past elections that it's considered a miracle if 70% of the people vote (and that's just in my area - it's probably lower in other places).  So why doesn't everybody vote?  Is it because they don't care, about their country or the laws that govern it?

I would like to think it's NOT for that reason.  If you will allow me to get deep for a minute I'll explain.

In general, I believe that everyone has different gifts.  Some people are musicians and singers, while others should not be heard singing.  There are people who are outgoing and charismatic, while others can barely get out of their house.  Other people are talented sports players, while others hurt themselves when they see a pair of running shoes.

Everyone is given a different set of gifts, and I would like to suggest that caring about politics and being able to look past the filth is a gift.  I admit that I do not have this gift, and I'd like to think I'm not alone in this.  However, don't misunderstand me.  I am a very patriotic person - I would fight to preserve the freedoms we enjoy if it came to it.  So before we go around accusing others of not caring about their country, let us think twice and consider this:

Maybe they have other gifts of patriotism.

May whatever divine power you believe in watch over this beautiful nation.  May our leaders remember what they stand for and who they represent.