Trust in Cod

A member of the pastoral counseling staff was misquoted in our church newsletter:  “Over the years, I’ve just learned to trust in Cod.” 

I would think of this while taking the kids to preschool.  The newsletter used 12-point Times Roman font, making a C and G hard to distinguish.  Spell-check wouldn’t catch it.

In the church parking lot, we’d pass the car belonging of the director of Welcoming Ministries.   Her license plate read:  367-COD.   Cod was made manifest and walked among us.

I’d nose our van into a parking space among the battalion of minivans and SUVs that swarmed with hopping children, and mothers carrying toddlers and diaper bags.  I’d haul open the sliding door for our 3-year-old, check for backpack and jacket (shoes, hat, countenance), take him by the hand, and then walk to the other side of the van and unlatch the heavy carseat for the baby, who was finally asleep.  Hoisting the baby seat in front of me like a lantern, I tugged my preschooler behind me, as we threaded a long path through narrow rows of cars. 

I’d drive home, thinking of my license plate:  246-COW.  It wasn’t a vanity plate; I’d have chosen something with gazelle.

I could remember a time when I’d debated the use of the Oxford comma, or the virtues of Words Into Type.   I’d once bought the Chicago Manual of Style for a job interview.  I’d written a thank-you note to a publishing house editor, who hired me for a freelance position.  She’d pointed out that “accommodation” had more than one m, and sent me my first assignment. 

I pulled the bovine van into the garage, and brought the baby inside.  I had an idea for an article, if the baby slept before it was time to pick up his brother.   

 

 When the sun came up, Jesus was standing on the beach, but they didn’t recognize him.  Jesus spoke to them:  “Good morning!  Did you catch anything for breakfast?”  They answered, “No.” 

                He said, “Throw the net off the right side of the boat and see what happens.”  They did what he said.  All of a sudden there were so many fish in it, they weren’t strong enough to pull it in.”    

      –The Message:  The Bible in contemporary language, John 21:4-6

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I like to collect photos of funny signs—this one’s from Susan, who full-times in her RV.  She sees plenty of signs in her rambles.  

I regret being caught without a camera when I saw this sign:  VISITORS MUST HAVE PASS. The letter “P” was missing.

Wish I could locate the print photo of my favorite sign, taken on our first wedding anniversary. The marquee of the Ramada Inn in Glenwood Springs said:    WELCOME SEX CRIMES INVESTIGATORS.   

Luckily, we’d reserved elsewhere. Seen any good signs lately?  

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