What Americans just witnessed was an election cycle that was exhausting, divisive, and at times horrifying. Now, it is over. For some parents and children, however, the bliss or the blues of the election are now setting in. As parents, we should seek to use every means available to help our children grow in faith, hope, and love. These days and this situation offer intentional parents a great training ground for these virtues. Here are three ways to use this time effectively:

Lesson 1: Avoid Despair and Gloating.

Tuesday night (or really Wednesday morning) was a time of great joy for some and great shock and disappointment for others. Now, however, parents have a perfect opportunity to teach children how to handle winning and losing.

There are two huge reasons that this is wise. First, none of us really knows what is going to happen next. In a recently popular musical, George Washington says to the young Alexander Hamilton who is intent on making a name for himself on the battlefield, “Dying is easy; living is harder.” This is true of campaigning and governing as well. Don’t be too exultant or despondent. You don’t know what the future holds.

Second, from whichever perspective you are approaching the outcome of this election, your children need to know that God often gives grace and mercy in abounding ways. That means that even if you're really sad or worried, you have hope. God can hit a straight shot with a crooked stick.

Our children need to see this hope mainly through your example as a parent. We should live in light of Christ’s death and resurrection. We know that God has actually dealt with all of our deepest and most pressing problems on the cross. Governments and leaders come and go; the blood of Jesus binds all believers together forever. Lift up your hearts!

Lesson 2: Put No Confidence In Princes or Princesses.

One of the most distressing things for me during each election cycle is that a large portion of the American population reacts to the candidate of their party like he or she is the Messiah—or the Devil.

Help your children to see that the office of Messiah has been filled by Jesus and that He will not be standing for election—not now, not ever. This year, I think that many Americans actually voted against a candidate rather than for one, but still we should not put our ultimate hope in any political leaders of any party at any time.

Conversely, we need to recognize that nothing can separate us from the love of God. Not height, nor depth, nor the electoral college, nor a flawed President. Nothing! While we might be hopeful or fearful of what any leader might do, we called to both honor and support leaders when they do what is right, and yet likewise oppose them respectfully but firmly when they do or say things that are inconsistent with God’s word.

Lesson 3: Help Your Child Appreciate the Good in Flawed Leaders - and Especially in America.

If this campaign did not turn your stomach at points, you have a stronger one than I do. Too often, I was shocked, embarrassed, and distraught by the actions and words of the candidates, their staff members, and the media. There was more vulgarity and language twisting than in any other campaign I can remember, perhaps even in history. Often, it was hard to have positive things to say about either candidate. Many of us wondered if the sun was going to come up on Wednesday morning. It did.

Work hard to find good things to say about both candidates, and about President Obama as he leaves office. Now, we have to strive to function as a nation and to move forward. If you're like me, you were wondering if that is even possible. I was not a big fan of either candidate, but I was very thankful for the magnanimity of Donald Trump's victory speech and the nobility of Hillary Clinton’s concession speech. None of this excuses the excesses and shameful actions of these campaigns or of either candidate, but we must work to see the good even in very flawed people. After all, God sees the good even in broken people like you and me.

We should also note that President Obama, who campaigned hard for his party and its candidate, did an exceptional job calling the country together after the election returns went against him. I particularly appreciate the credit he gave to his predecessor George W. Bush, who likewise worked hard to make the transition to Obama’s administration smooth. President Obama’s speech was classy as was President Bush’s kindness.

This brings us to the final point: teach your children to be thankful for the blessing of being American. I am blown away every time the office of President changes hands. This is the most powerful office of a human government in the history of the world, and one person leaves it and another (often very different person) takes it up. This did not often happen in Greece and Rome. It does not happen in many countries in the world today. It is something like a miracle, but it is one that we may have gotten too used to. This year, try to appreciate this phenomenon more and thank God for George Washington. He set the pattern of this transfer of power. Most in our country would have had him as King. His example set in motion this incredible blessing that we enjoy. Pray that we will see a little of him in our political leaders on both the right and left today, and much more of his influence during the next campaign for President.