When we get a glimpse of respect…

On Wednesday I wrote about those flashing signs. I pass several every time I head up to see our north dwelling family. I also pass through several small towns with reduced speed. And I abide by the posted signs faithfully.

But I have to admit that when I am on the open road, I may push the limits of the law and go just enough over to make the trip go a little faster because I don’t want to miss a second of an opportunity for a snuggle-lunch….

So yesterday, when I came on what appeared to be some sort of hold up on an open stretch of road, I got out in the faster moving lane…only to find that they were slowing down as well.

I wondered if we were approaching road construction or an accident. But one by one, the cars ahead of me dropped back or just moved slowly along in the left lane. And then on a curve I saw why.

Flashing lights on about 10 cars followed a black hearse at about 55 mph. On a road where 70 is normally just a suggestion.

We rode for miles like this…occasionally a new vehicle would come zooming along and then….would slow its pace…apparently unwilling to be the first to pass this solemn procession of strangers.

This continued for at least 8 miles until I got off the highway at my exit. No one honked. No one tailgated.

Unity of compassion expressed by an interstate full of vehicles that all had places to go and yet showed the only kindness and respect possible…the silent interruption of our travel schedules in a show of camaraderie with the grieving.

I am sure you would not be surprised to know that I wept as I drove.

I wept for the family and friends in those cars.

I wept for the times I have been in a car with flashing lights winding our way to some gravesite to say the final goodbye.

I wept for the times yet to come.

And I wept for evidence of grace at work in a world that seems to have become so violent…so unloving…so self-seeking…so rude… so calloused.

I wept for the one great equalizer of all mankind…death…

and I wept with joy for the One who overcame death and gave us Life.

God bless you today wherever your path leads you. Let us remember the words of encouragement, even amongst strangers along the journey…

When others are happy, be happy with them. If they are sad share their sorrow. Work happily together. Don’t try to act big. Don’t try to get in the good graces of important people, but enjoy the company of ordinary folks. And don’t think you know it all! Never pay back evil for evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honest clear through.  

Romans 12: 15-17   The Living Bible