Sermon on the Passenger Window

Every Tuesday my husband Dave and I rise early.  As we shake the sleep out of our heads and bodies, an excitement grows deep within our hearts as we ready ourselves to get into our car for the two-hour drive to babysit our two beautiful little granddaughters.  It is our favorite day of the week, and we enter it with great anticipation of the unconditional love and joy we will experience with little Madeline (5) and Claire (2) – and their mommy and daddy.  It warms my heart as I type these words, just thinking about the love we share when we’re together in our little family community – a true slice of heaven on earth. 

This particular Tuesday turned out to be a cloudy, damp, cool August morning – the kind that makes a person want to pull on a jacket or sweater for protection from the humidity that penetrates and chills bones.  As we headed toward the freeway, a steady rain was falling, and the wind was swirling around us.  It took the steady back and forth sweeping motion of the windshield wipers to keep the rain from clouding our vision as we drove.  I nestled myself comfortably into the passenger seat and prepared for the long drive ahead.

About an hour into our drive my attention was strangely drawn to a large, wiggling, ever-increasing-in-size raindrop that was forming on my passenger window.   I watched, mesmerized, as many other raindrops blew straight past me at great speed and flew right off the edge of the window never to be seen again.  But this particular raindrop that caught my attention was moving along ever so slowly at its own pace.  I watched, curious and transfixed with what was happening in front of my eyes.

As I watched the drop grow larger and sturdier in size, I began to realize I was witnessing the formation of a “community” of sorts.  I decided to watch a little closer to see what might happen next. I was distracted by the frantic drops of water flying by, not even noticing the “group” collecting next to them.  My heart ached as they moved by at break-neck speed and blew off the edge of the window into the great abyss around us.

I then took notice of the smaller drops that were swirling around as if they had lost their way.  I inwardly cheered for them to be blown in the right direction to “find” the bigger drop to prevent them from flying away into oblivion.  Some of these drops, swept by the swirling wind around them, found their way to touch the edge of the larger drop.  I watched amazed as the larger drop effortlessly welcomed and absorbed them, providing shelter from the winds that threatened to blow them away.

Others didn’t find their way to “the fold” and swirled and twirled aimlessly until they met their fate and were swept away into the great unknown.

It was an incredible feeling to sit quietly and take in all that was unfolding before my eyes. 

What really drew my attention most was that as the large drop became larger, more and more smaller drops stood a chance of being “caught” and gathered in - to move as one - slower, calmer, stronger, and less likely to be blown away.  I watched as the drop grew in number, size, safety and strength against the winds that howled around it.

I began to ponder how often I had been one of the “drops” flying through life so quickly, being blown by the winds around me, not having the sense to pause long enough to be aware – only to be blown away into a place not of my choosing.

I then contemplated and remembered times when I was like the drops that spun and swirled, becoming dizzy in search of something/someone/somewhere - not sure of where I was going.  I felt gratitude and relief fill my body as I was reminded that I was one that got lucky to bump into the larger community.  What might have happened if I missed rubbing up against the edge of the drop?  Where might I be today?

I groaned as I recalled the many times I isolated myself from community thinking I was in control, only to be blown away by loneliness, sadness, anxiety, and fear.

As I watched, I found myself internally cheering for this ever-growing “drop community,” “Yes!  Gather them in!  Give them refuge from the storm!  Don’t let them blow away!  Find them! Every one of them!  Show them what it feels like to come together, move together, live and love together!  Rescue them and remind them that they are not alone in the storm! Gather them in and give them rest for their souls!”

The longer I watched, the deeper I sensed that I was witnessing a great revival of sorts – right on the window in my passenger seat!  In a most unexpected yet sacred moment, as I opened my heart to experience God in all things, I was reminded of what community looked like and how it was formed.

As I listened closer I could hear God whisper the following questions to me.  Maybe they’re for you too!

• What kind of “raindrop” are you? 

• What is the storm that’s driving you and how fast are you moving or swirling?  What does that feel like?

• Are you rushing or swirling aimlessly through life?

• What or who are you seeking?

• Might you be willing to slow down?

• Would you be willing to be seen? Heard? and loved back to fullness of life? 

• Can you imagine a place of safety and rest for your soul in the presence of others? 

• Can you imagine Jesus being in the center of that sacred community and holding you in his loving arms? 

“May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.  Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.”  Romans 15:5-7

Today I received a sermon during a simple drive to go babysit my granddaughters.  A sermon that was least expected yet deeply transformative simply by being open to hearing God speak through the raindrops on my passenger car window. 

Where are you today and what might God be speaking to you in that place?  Are your spiritual eyes and ears wide open to see and hear God in all things?  Tell someone about it!