As I was coming out of Gerbes, our local grocery store, I noticed a van that had handwritten messages on all the windows. This was the kind of ink that you get at Hobby Lobby to write
"Just Married" across the back window or "Go Jays!" on each of the side windows. On this vehicle though, was the message: "Michael Roarke Master Roofer, died on March 17." On the back window was a list of names - I can only presume his family, and on another side window the message "We miss you." Driving this car was a young woman - she had just gotten her groceries and was heading home.
I guess it made me wonder how you decide to get the ink and write that message and then how long does it stay on. As I headed to the church, I was behind a truck that had a personalized sticker in the window that said - "In memory of Pvt James Anderson". Small and inconspicuous. And again I wondered about the decision to get such a sticker and put in on your truck.
And then it occurred to me, that like bumber stickers that proclaim political messages or funny messages and sometimes inappropriate messages, these were messages that simply said, "I'm in pain." "I have lost." Messages that were being tossed out into the world - no expectation of response, but simply put out there for those who take the time to read them.
Do these people not have a community that they can share this with? Or are we fellow travelers their community? Do they not have a community that can tell them, "you remain in our prayers even after your husbands death." And offer those signs of recognition and care that are our trademarks - (casseroles and cakes.) I would hope so, but I'm not sure if the need exists to drive around with the message on your window.
And so take the time to look at the windows and bumpers of cars around you, there very well could be someone crying out for a little recognition in a world that is filled with pain and loss. We can't fix it, but we can give a wave or offer a prayer that the grief will be comforted.
Peace to you!
1 comment:
This reminds me of an e-mail "joke" that makes a point about how we demonstrate our Christianity. The gist: when a man suddenly stopped at a light because the light was amber, the lady behind him honked, gave him the finger, and shook her fist. She had several Christian symbols and bumper stickers on the rear of her car. A police officer pulled her over and she was furious because "I haven't broken any laws." After varification that she owned her vehicle, the officer replied,"Since you weren't acting like a Christian, I assumed you had stolen the car."
That says a lot about the role models we are when we aren't conscious of our actions as Christians. Beware of the picture we are painting for others!
Janet
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