Joseph Johnson stands out on the side of the road nearly every single day and flashes the "Peace" sign to everyone driving by. American flag in one hand. Pepsi can in the other. Through every season, dressed for every holiday, he is faithfully there, waving away.One day, our former Vicar stopped and chatted with Joseph, and asked him why he does what he does. His response still warms my heart and makes me chuckle with affection. He told the Vicar that he flashes the "Peace" sign because he's spreading the peace of God.
"Oh yeah?" asked Vicar Seth. "Which god is that?"
"You know... the regular God. Jesus' Dad."
How can you not love that??
At first when I saw Joseph, I was simply amused and happy to wave back, but then something odd happened. That tiny little expression of selflessness became something I looked forward to every day. I would turn on to 2nd Street and begin scanning the area while I was still a block and a half away. If a little moving spec appeared in my vision, my groggy morning mood would lift immediately, and I would prepare to receive my portion of the "regular God's peace."
One day I drove by, and much to my horror, Joseph wasn't there.
"What?!?! Where IS he?!" I lamented. "Doesn't he KNOW I look forward to this every day??"
And right then was when I realized that this man, a complete stranger to me, had (and still has) a true impact on my life.
You wouldn't normally think much of it, would you? A man dressed in wild outfits and waving at people would maybe even elicit a snicker of mocking from some. However, Joseph's small gesture of selflessness has an impact far greater than he could ever know. He doesn't have to stand out there in the middle of winter when the windchill is 30 degrees below zero, or in the summer when the humidity is so thick you can practically eat it with a fork. But he does. And for no other reason than to spread some peace.
It is a mysterious thing to give of yourself just because you can. When you are selfless, you may be making a difference in someone's life and not even realize it. Take some time to think about it, but then make some time for action. Call someone. Wave. Write a letter. Smile. Be kind to someone who's having a bad day. Extend as much grace as you would hope to receive.
Make a difference.
