Seeing Things

I saw a most interesting sight this morning.   The first time I saw "it"  but" it" didn't register.  Honestly, I think I may have wondered quickly, "what in the world?" but that thought was quickly replaced by walking my preschooler to her classroom and saying good-bye.  As I waited at the stop sign, right turn signal blinking, I saw "it" again. Then I paused before proceeding into my turn where I could really see "it."
The man wasn't so much who I was interested in.  "It" was the cross he carried as he walked down Bonita Ave. in broad daylight that had my attention.  The real, wooden cross that took my mind off everything else. . .because he looked like I imagine Jesus did as he carried his cross on his way to his crucifixion and and the crowds stood by and watched.

This man's cross was large and wooden but it had a wheel or something that was helping him to drag it as he walked.  And I'm not sure what fascinated me more.  His walking with it down the busy avenue or  the concept behind it--and that I would happen to see him, dragging this during the Lenten season.  I couldn't shake the image--still can't because of what that cross represents.

I wish I had stopped and not just assumed it was his preferred method of exercise for the day.  I bet there is an interesting meaning or reason for why he does this. Yet I find it odd that I travel this road three times a week at the exact same time and I have never seen him before--then I wonder if I will see him again.  Finally my brain goes into this weird world of what if that was Jesus and I just drove by.  I didn't give him the time of day because I was too busy returning library books and going grocery shopping.  I mean, really Janene! How many times, Janene?

I had a similar experience a year ago. Bubba was in the car with me.  It was a beautiful Summer like day and we were driving to Sam's Club when I could make out a strange image ahead to my right.  I say strange because from a distance it looked like a pale, naked woman with long, flowing hair walking North while I was traveling South.  As we waited at a light, sure enough, it was a naked woman without even a pair of shoes.  My eyes bugged out of my head and when the light turned green I went--I looked back at my son who was looking out the window. . .of course he was! His surprised expression answered the question I spoke aloud, "Was that what I thought it was?" He responded, "Yep, she was naked."

I continued driving, totally in disbelief with what we had both just seen.  Then I panicked, what if she wasn't okay.  People weren't stopping. And I had that thought, what if. . .and I just drove on?  So, I turned around as soon as I could legally do u turn. . .and she had just vanished!  I didn't see any police officers or any sign of anything.  She was just gone.  If my son hadn't seen her too, I would have thought I was a little crazy.

Today's sighting made me think of that day--and I pretty much just drove by--AGAIN! I guess the good is that both incidents made me take pause and reflect.  I think I may just have to take a walk tomorrow morning and see if our paths cross so I could actually ask if there's a story behind the carrying of the cross.  Maybe it only comes out at Lent.  Maybe it is his way to remind the rest of us of the sacrifice He made for our sins.  Maybe, maybe, maybe. . .and maybe not. But I like the way it made me think.