It’s not funny, but it is interesting how, after years of listening to the derogatory name-calling and seeing the disgusting, biased headlines, my perspective on politics has changed.

I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but I’ve taken on a more optimistic viewpoint. It’s not that anything has changed externally—it hasn’t! In fact, the hate and vitriol toward Trump, in some cases, is worse than ever. Nobody I know has adopted a more respectful tone toward him. I suppose it would be absurd to think that my liberal friends and the media gurus would suddenly repent. So why am I adopting this optimistic view?

It comes from one little word: “gratitude”. All the America 250 stuff from Trump surrounding July fourth reminded me how grateful I am to be an American. I’ve read articles crediting the founders for their wonderful work, intellect, sacrifice, and risks—and they deserve it. But I’ve come to see it differently too. I also think of how God’s hand was—and still is—guiding and protecting all of us who believe.

The streets are still a mess in places like San Francisco, Portland, Chicago, and Minneapolis. But there are still pockets of sanity where our Constitution and biblical values guide the people. They’re not perfect, just as folks in the big liberal cities aren’t all lunatics without foundations.

Just think about it: No Republican or Democrat bill is perfect. But how wonderful that dinner was last weekend. How fun it was to chat with friends and family over a cold beer or glass of water. Has one Trump post truly ruined your day? Has one headline changed the flavor of that ribeye? Will one more bomb taking out an Iranian gun boat prevent you from eating biscuits and gravy? The noise is what bothers most of us, not the actual policies. Our guts churn and our bowels loosen when we watch the likes of the ladies on The View supposedly speaking for us. I’m grateful none of them are making policy or preaching in our churches, lol.

Consider the sins in politics. They are many and perennial—rooted in the human heart. But politics isn’t inherently evil (government is a God-ordained institution, Romans 13:1-7), still it certainly amplifies human sin because it concentrates power, ambition, and influence. Pride, arrogance, greed, deceit, and false witness lead the pack. The real stink comes from partisan rage, wrath, division, and hatred. Envy, class warfare, lust, idolatry, sloth, and neglect of justice aren’t unique to one party or president. These sins are bipartisan!

But like I said, I have new-found reasons to be optimistic—not a naive or Pollyanna optimism, but a rock-solid, Scripture-rooted hope that endures the “sins in politics” and the visible decline around us. Empires rise and fall under God’s decree. Love growing cold, false prophets, wars, and persecution don’t surprise me or Him; they simply confirm His Word. It may sound cliche, but Christ returns in victory, not defeat. My optimism rests in the One who “works all things according to the counsel of his will” (Ephesians 1:11).

If we are believers our Kingdom work will outlast elections—even thr many accomplishments and failures of presidents. Stewardship, family legacy, shared faith with Jackie, the joy of hosting and visiting friends—these renew our inner self day by day. My son’s cartoons and wearing this goofy goldfish hat he designed renovates my soul far better than media rubbish. This kind of optimism doesn’t ignore political sins; it brings joy to the soul. Be optimistic! And if you need a goldfish hat his website is in Beta mode but you can still get one at www. bizarreplanet.shop