I suspect that half the country was glued to the tube last night watching as the health care bill went through the voting process. It was a long and acrimonious struggle, and we will not understand the full impact of the decision for years to come. However, we have finally decided. Today is the day after, and it is time to move on.

I have grown to appreciate the strong feelings on both side of the issue—something that is not always easy for me. I can appreciate both the hope and the fear that has been expressed by so many so vocally. Yet right now, my main desire is that we can move on and begin to implement change that is so dearly needed. My personal hope is that the underlying divisiveness that surfaced as the debate unfolded can now be put to rest, and that we can embrace a choice to move in a new direction.

We cannot forget that our nation has been built on a platform of justice and fairness. Bringing the desire into reality has often been a messy process, but somehow we have always managed to get there. So as we face the new day this morning, let’s remember that there is great power in choice. We have decided!! Not, let’s get to work and see what we can create of that decision.

Who among us doesn’t need an occasional dose of instant gratification? You can’t see it, but I just raised my hand. Sometimes I just want a completely self indulgent moment where I really cut loose. Nothing feels quite like it. It really makes my day.

Moments of instant gratification have notoriously bad press. A cigarette is bad for the lungs, alcohol for the liver, and coffee for the nerves. Sugar in chocolate can lead to diabetes. Shopping does a number on the pocket book, and salt in potato chips doesn’t do much for us either. It seems that everything that gives a momentary rush of pleasure has a downside. Then, miracle of miracles, something new appeared on the horizon, something that seems to solve the problem and give instant gratification. It’s called social networking.

I can speak to the world now, and announce where I am, what I am doing, and how I feel about it all. What a rush!!! My audience is everywhere, and they just might be listening. I can tweet, send pictures, podcasts, and videos. Wow!! What instant gratification. The problem for me is that it just doesn’t do the job. It doesn’t provide me with nearly the sinful pleasure that comes when I take my first bite and taste that bittersweet smoothness. Twitter will never do it for me. The instant gratification that comes from that first bite of sweet dark chocolate. Now that will!!!