I think I’ve mentioned before that we live in an intentional community. Sometimes it seems weird to people how connected we are. I go to church with the guy who sells me groceries, the man who changes my oil, the lady who waits on me at the cafe, and every coworker in my office. It’s a nice kind of weird.
We also have some traditions unique to such a town. Like Garage Words at Christmas. In my previous home, I might have taken exception if the neighbors plastered magnetic letters on my garage door spelling out random words. I might have called the police.
But here such behavior is one of the highlights of the season. The ladies from the recovery center are in charge of posting the letters. Each word signifies some trait of Christ, and they appear sometime after Thanksgiving. We never know when to expect them. And, we never know which word we will get. That is part of the fun.
This year, we got “Healer.” You’d think the local doctor would get that every time.But sometimes “Healer” goes to a family facing major illness. Because these words are both a prophecy and a prayer.
Provider. Shield. Worship. Truth. Silent Night. The Great I Am. You can drive around our town and almost hear the angels shouting out those words in Heaven.
It’s a lovely type of graffiti.
I love this Heartland tradition. And you know I love the healer.
I definitely miss this about Heartland — driving around reading the “Garage Words.” I think it’s a lovely tradition.
Lovely tradition indeed, Eleanor. Great post, Kathy, and I am SO glad to see “Healer” on your door this year. Thankful no one else in our midst is desperate for it this time around.
We got “Advocate” this year which I LOVE, love, love. A calling for us all for sure.
This is definitely a tradition that I miss from Heartland. Such a good way to remind people both living in the homes and driving past of the wonderful God we serve.
I was going to pick up my children from school the other day and saw “Restorer” on the Perry’s garage. I had to wait in the parking lot until I could quit crying to get my kids. God is so good and faithful. Every family here has been restored. Oh, how I thank Him.
So true, Aimee. And the words are powerful.
When I was there a couple weeks ago, I loved reading the “Garage Words”. I’m sure knowing the families of those dwellings makes it even more meaningful! What a great tradition! Words truly are so powerful, aren’t they!