Do You Like Your Car? (12/23/2023)

Yesterday, as I was getting in my car after stowing my groceries in the rear cargo area, a car drove up alongside of me and a man jumped out. He shouted to me, “Do you like your car?” I looked at him and pointed to myself, a gesture meant to clarify that he was speaking to me. He apologized for his shout and went on to explain that he and his wife were considering purchasing the same make and model, only a newer version. We spent ten minutes talking about cars. He thanked me, got back in his car and drove away. As I started my car, I shook my head, smiled and admitted to my guardian angel that I hadn’t seen that one coming.

As I drove home, I got to thinking about this conversation and its similarity to conversations I have had in the past about faith – people asking me questions out of the blue. Something about me told them I was a Christian, and they had questions. Some of my favorite conversations have started that way; some of my most lasting relationships have started that way.

The make and model of my vehicle is obvious. Is my faith as obvious? I would say sometimes “Yes” and sometimes “Not so much.” So, the rest of the day, I pondered that situation. I recalled Jesus telling us that we are to be the “light of the world.” And yesterday, I realized all over again how much I desired to be just that for Christ and for those whom Christ loves which we all know is everyone.

And I remembered the words of St. Francis of Assisi: “Preach always, and when you must, use words.” It usually is our behavior that draws attention, not our words. As Edgar Guest so eloquently said it, “I’d rather see a sermon than hear one any day.” And a day that began with a stranger talking about cars led me to a conversation with the LORD about my faith. Oh, the LORD does write straight with crooked lines.

As we near the celebration of Christmas, our admission of the importance of the incarnation of our LORD, of Jesus coming to dwell among us as one of us, as our redeemer and brother, let our behavior, our joy, our faith be so bright that others know who we are – Christians! And let us be open to sharing with others why. Sharing faith never diminishes it, it enlarges it.

Until tomorrow, let us all love well.