Driving home from Reno, Nevada last week my eyes were drawn to a tattered vintage billboard on the opposite side of the road. As I approached from its backside, it was obvious that years ago six telephone pole type timbers had been securely placed vertically into the ground for support. Ten horizontal slats of wood had been meticulously placed across those six timbers to hold up the twenty or so four by eight pieces of plywood that would make up the billboard.
Much like the billboard pictured above, there were two or three pieces of plywood missing from this once proud billboard that in its heyday brilliantly advertiased to passing motorists a certain product or upcoming destination.
In fact, on this particular billboard the paint was so faded and other coverings for the billboard in more recent days were so tattered that it was literally impossible to figure out what the billboard was advertising.
With faded paint, torn coverings and missing pieces, this billboard had lost its primary purpose: capture a driver’s attention and create a memorable impression.
SeeingGodatWorkEveryDay…
Seeing this billboard along the highway along with many other billboards which were newer, more vibrant, and more colorful, with clear, concise and memorable messages, my heart was stirred to ponder, “What does my “Billboard” say?”
The scriptures are pock full of allusions to the fact that our life is a light for all to see, pointing people to Jesus who is in turn the Light of the world. We are subsequently called to live a life that shines bright the joy of Jesus, capturing the people’s attention around us and creating a memorable impression of said such joy…
Which leads me to ask myself (I’ll let you listen along), “What does the billboard of my life project, say, communicate and convey? Am I capturing the attention of those that pass me by on a daily basis with a memorable impression of the love of God?”
I wonder…
Do you wonder the same thing?
Or am I alone in this???
Here’s the paradoxical good news:
First, no matter how tattered the current condition of our billboard may be, God has an amazing ability to restore, regenerate and recreate a beautiful memorable message for all to see.
Secondly, no matter how tattered the current condition of our billboard may be, God has an amazing ability to speak to those who pass us by through our brokenness and “tatteredness.” How amazing is that!!
So, fellow billboards, straighten up and stand tall! I look forward to our paths crossing and my attention being captured by your memorable, unique and beautiful billboard!
Praise be to God! (That would be a good Billboard!)
“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house.” (Matthew 5: 14-15)
SeeingGodatWorkEveryDay…
Laugh often and Fear not!
David!
David@seeinggodatworkeveryday.com
www.daviddendy.com