Loving Signs

I am sometimes stopped at a traffic light alongside a bus, waiting to turn into the school campus. When I see the students by the windows, I think back to my own childhood, riding the bus early in the morning. Anticipation of the school day looms. Who knows what kind of morning the children have already had? In a rush, some may have skipped breakfast, or been in an argument, or realized too late that they forgot their homework or their lunch. Their nerves may be on overdrive!

As a mother and grandmother, I want to reach out to the students to let them know how precious they are. I had made a round circle sign to hold up in my window for them to see. On one side is written, “YOU ARE LOVED!” On the flip side, “HAVE A BLESSED DAY!”

Today was the first opportunity to use the sign, only no one was visible toward the rear of the stopped bus near me. I held it up anyway, just in case. One girl, seated half way up the bus happened to turn around and see the sign. She stuck out her tongue! But, she must have said something to the others, because one by one, students came to the windows to see what was up! They were talking enthusiastically. Some got out their phones to take pictures. The frenzy was felt in this short episode. Waving, I flipped the sign slowly back and forth: “You are loved!” “Have a blessed day!” The students were smiling and waved back, as the bus got the green arrow to turn.

My heart swelled with joy, and I hope the students started their day, feeling loved by this small gesture from a seasoned mother!

As I drove forward, pondering what had just happened, I sensed a serenity and loving connection with those students. I approached a row of maples on the other side of the road. Their leaves are beginning to turn orange and fiery red on this early autumn day. I felt loved. This was Christ’s sign for me. How wondrous! What a blessed day!

What sign will you see today? And every day?