The "Rear-View Mirror" Couple

Back in another time and in another space… my children listened to me. They were still what we like to call “impressionable.” And I was aware of the limited window of opportunity that was mine to influence the formation of their life values and sense of perception. So I played little games with them. One of those games involved counting and involvement. As we rode along, in the car, together, I would challenge them to count the faces of passing motorists (passengers and drivers included), pedestrians, and persons engaged in any endeavor. One limitation… the face had to be smiling to count.

My intention was to get them to involve themselves in noticing and evaluating passing life. We would then award the “winner” title to whomever had counted the largest number of smiling faces. The game was VERY short lived. We could find so few smiling people, that searching for them became a discouraging chore. People driving together were not smiling. People walking together were not smiling. People working were not smiling. People alone, in groups, passing each other, or talking with each other were not smiling.

I tell you this story to illustrate my own involvement in noticing the demeanor of the world that I pass through. Hence the story of the “Rear-View Mirror Couple” that I eluded to in a previous writing. You have asked that I recount this encounter with you… so, here ‘tis.

As I slowly progressed through one of the busiest intersections in our community, I noticed the couple in a modest mid-sized sedan that turned the corner and took up position behind my car. There was something irregular about them. Curious, I watched them (in my Rear-View Mirror) as we drove slowly along. It was the most beautiful thing. These mature, and obviously well-ensconced in a long relationship, people were enjoying each others’ company. There was that air of “first-date” engagement in each other that was displayed in a quiet, comfortable, and completely natural way. I was so taken with their extraordinary harmony of inter-relating that I found myself enchanted. When it became evident that we were headed for the same grocery market, I decided to speak to them. As they parked and make their way to the store, I remained in my vehicle in a position that necessitated their passing.

“Please forgive my intrusion, My Friends” I spoke from my car’s window “but I could not help but notice the lovely inter-play between the two of you as you rode together in your car. Your obvious affection for and enjoyment of each other compels me to thank you both for encouraging my heart and making better the world that I live in. Bless you both.” I then returned their smiles and quick expression of thanks while slowly driving away (to reassure them that I did, indeed, respect their right to privacy and security.) I did not see them again until something around a year later.

On that occasion, I, again, looked into my rear-view mirror… and there they were. Now, mind you, there had, in the interim, been myriad faces in the view of that mirror. But these two… these among the certainly hundreds and possibly thousands that I had seen there… stood out like that well-clichéd lighthouse on the shore. And, as before, I could not let the opportunity to let them know that they had touched someone‘s heart pass. So, inasmuch as the traffic light had just turned red, I told my son (my passenger on the occasion... and well-accustomed to Dad's spontaneous expressions) that I would be back directly, and got out. Quickly moving to the driver’s window, I expressed my sentiments and turned to leave… whereupon, I heard the lady exclaim “Oh Dear… it’s the “BEING ME” (the license number that I chose for my vehicle) guy!” It pleased me that they recalled our earlier meeting as we exchanged farewells and I hurried back to my car.

So, what in all of this is of value to you at this reading? A few considerations. First… there are, sadly, so few in our world that share obviously healthy and openly dynamic relationships that they are easily spotted. Secondly… there is hope and encouragement to us all that there is possibility for just such a blessed union. Then, there is the encouragement, that I offer you, to do what I prompted my children (and frequently demonstrated before them), so many years ago, to do. Pay attention to your own world… notice… care… involve yourself… speak the message that Life puts in your heart (lest you have one of those frustrating “I wish that I had” moments later.) Encourage! This is something that every one of us can do. And allow yourself to reflect on the You that is projected into that environment effected by you. Is there a joy within you that is obvious to your world? If “yes” I celebrate with you… If “no” you have my heart’s wish that you discover where that joy lies… and claim it!

No sermon here. Just an opportunity to consider.


IMAGES (Top to Bottom): Ian Britton, FreeFoto.com;R&K4everloved_TheLensFlare; Anonymous (They know that I consider them a "Rear View Mirror" couple)