I spent the day in Albany on Tuesday, representing our public library. It was a legislative day for public libraries, and several public library systems were represented.
Public libraries in New York State need additional funding badly. So that makes this legislative day very important. The hope is, now that the Senate and the Assembly are in Budget negotiations, this is the time to let our representatives know how important this funding is.
Our goal was to see six representatives – the Senators and Assemblymen from the districts represented by our local library system. The problem is, they were in session, so we were able to see about half of the representatives we intended to, and those we couldn’t see, their aides were very cordial and spent time hearing our concerns, and promised to pass them along.
These legislative days are important so that our representatives understand the issues that are important to us. But do they work?
In reality, there is only so much money available. And every industry has a legislative day. So the representatives listen to every industry and why they need funding – but the reality is, as much as they might agree and feel moved to help, the money isn’t there. So their hands are tied.
As I was reflecting on this, I was very thankful for our heavenly Father. We don’t need a representative before God, we can approach the throne on our own, any time we have a need. In fact, God already knows our needs, and is already working on the answer to our prayers, before we even speak them. He just wants us to ask.
Public libraries in New York State need additional funding badly. So that makes this legislative day very important. The hope is, now that the Senate and the Assembly are in Budget negotiations, this is the time to let our representatives know how important this funding is.
Our goal was to see six representatives – the Senators and Assemblymen from the districts represented by our local library system. The problem is, they were in session, so we were able to see about half of the representatives we intended to, and those we couldn’t see, their aides were very cordial and spent time hearing our concerns, and promised to pass them along.
These legislative days are important so that our representatives understand the issues that are important to us. But do they work?
In reality, there is only so much money available. And every industry has a legislative day. So the representatives listen to every industry and why they need funding – but the reality is, as much as they might agree and feel moved to help, the money isn’t there. So their hands are tied.
As I was reflecting on this, I was very thankful for our heavenly Father. We don’t need a representative before God, we can approach the throne on our own, any time we have a need. In fact, God already knows our needs, and is already working on the answer to our prayers, before we even speak them. He just wants us to ask.
So as much as our state representatives want to help, they can only do so much. But our heavenly Father can do so much more – and will, when we make our needs known to Him.
1 comment:
Praise God that we can and are indeed challenged to "boldy approach the throne." All too often we forget or underestimate the power of our prayers. Sometimes it is due to our thoughts that we don't deserve such and such. Thank God that salvation is God's free gift ... not something that we can earn or have to pay for. Christ paid that price. We may think however that God too is limited and can only give us so much of the pie or that others are in much more need than we are. I often think that ... and have doubts about whether or not I am in God's will ... or if I am right with God. Sometimes I don't even know how to pray or what to pray for. Fortunately, God knows our every need and provides for us. - Michelle
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