If (i) Were The President

in case that; granting or supposing that; on condition that: Sing if you want to. Stay indoors if it rains. I’ll go if you do.

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It’s Tuesday again, and you know what that means… today is Truth Be Told Tuesday. Thanks for checking in

Earlier this month my 2nd grade son, Addison, and his classmates were entrusted with a writing project. The assignment was pretty simple; each child had to write a two-paragraph paper outlining what they would do if they were the president.

Below are Addison’s words:

1^st Day of School (2^nd grade)

If (i) Were The President

By Addison Bailey

If I were the president I would make many laws to help people. One law that I would make is that most things would be free for the poor. Another law would be that I would make coats for the homeless to stay warm in the winter. If I were president I would also work hard to stop all wars but if we did have a war I would lead it.

Visiting people like mayors, generals, and police officers would be important to me because I can tell them if they are doing something wrong or right. It would be nice if the citizens of the United States were happy and joyful with me. If I were president I would make sure that all schools had enough money to get things for their classrooms. They would have enough money to get the things they needed. Being president is a really important job. That’s what I would do if I were president.

President Ronald Reagan

Addison’s words and reflections got me thinking.

What would I do if I were president?

Would I seek to balance the budget, reform and improve public education, and increase peace in the Middle East? During my “first term”- I’m an extremely confident person – would my administration’s agenda tackle issues that are dividing our country such as healthcare reform, gay marriage, and abortion?

What would I do if I were the leader of the greatest country on earth?

After giving this question some serious consideration I realized two things: I have no idea what I would do, and secondly, I would pray- pray a lot.

I would pray for things like guidance, wisdom, and strength.

I would pray for humility and courage.

Presidents: Bush (41), Obama, Bush (43), Clinton, & Carter

I would pray that God would create in my heart a passion and compassion for people whom are hurting and struggling to experience the American Dream. I would pray for God to relinquish my desire to control everything, and to become constantly aware of the fact that my beliefs could very well run counter to what might be best for our country.

I would pray for a constant desire to extend a conciliatory hand to all people with differing opinions and views, and for a consistent reminder that I will always attract more bees with honey than I would with vinegar.

In the end, I have no idea what I would do if I were the President of the United States- I know, it’s the economy stupid – but the first thing I would do is pray.

Thank you Addison for your authentic and sincere words, I’m so very proud of you. Also, thank you for reminding me that the very things I would pray for if I were the president are the same things I should pray for as your father and as a husband.

Whether it’s the President of the United States or the father to six children, prayer is the best thing that can be done every day.