"It's a Jeep thing."

When my husband bought a '95 Jeep Wrangler a few years ago from a long-time friend, I had no clue the fun, adventure, and camaraderie that would ensue. Apparently, if you own a Jeep... any Jeep, you are instantly part of a club unlike any other. There's a whole Jeep culture thing going on, and to tell the truth, I wasn't quite prepared for it.

I confess, I don't really understand how all this works. People from different walks of life, different ethnicities, different ages, all have an instant bond as part of the Jeep family. There's even a wave! I kid you not, and it's actually so cool, I've been known to throw it out there myself, even if I'm only riding in the passenger's seat.

Somehow, every Clark Kent transforms into Superman behind the wheel of that iconic machine! It's true! I've seen the proof. My own husband flashes that impish grin as he's downshifitng, attacking inclines, turning on a dime, or, ahem... , exceeding the speed limit, ever-so-slightly ;)

It took some getting used to, this instant band of brothers and sisters. The honks, the waves, the head nods, the approving glances of admiration. All because of four tires and an engine. "It's a Jeep thing," I keep being reminded. Is it really that simple? Automatic acceptance just because you happen to drive a certain type of vehicle?!

Last weekend my husband had a weak moment. He let me drive his "baby." I'm not gonna lie. That transformation thing is real. There's nothing quite like that flying down the road, top down, wind in your face feeling. As I approached a stoplight at Basse and San Pedro, a couple of kids pulled up next to us in a new, totally tricked out Jeep, music blaring to new decibel heights. We looked at each other with that "knowing glance," and each gave the other a thumb's up along with that enviable wave. It was cool, indeed!

It got me thinking. Wouldn't it be great if we as human beings had that kind of automatic acceptance of one another? I mean, we all share in the human condition, don't we? We have the potential to bond over all kinds of things... family, work, hobbies, talents, successes. We share in struggles, failures, illnesses, loss. My goodness, is there a person alive who doesn't partake in any of these?

How wondeful it would be if we could reach out with a smile or a "knowing glance" to say, "You are loved. You matter. We're all in this together."

The heart, though strong and courageous when it needs to be, can also be a fragile thing. Unkind words and hateful speech and actions can do irreparable damage to a person's self-worth. Are any of us above another? Are any of us exempt from that famous golden rule? How I wish we could all see each other as our heavenly Father sees us, as beloved, redeemed sons and daughters! He considers all to be worth the price of His Son's perfect sacrifice at Calvary.

If we could look at one another through that rose-colored lens of Jesus' precious blood, what a wonderful world this would be. Maybe we can. Perhaps we should. Let's resolve to start right now, today. All it takes is a smile, a friendly nod, a wave of camaraderie, and an understanding that we are ALL precious in His sight.

No Jeep necessary!