Pleasantville is a quiet village teeming with active families. “Charming” comes to mind as I idle through this little burg on the way to my office each morning. Children peddle bikes and adults walk dogs along its generously shaded sidewalks. Most all her homes, originally built decades ago, have been only slightly upgraded causing it to retain an early 1900’s atmosphere—I almost expect to see Judy Garland and Mickey Rooney singing their way home from Carvel High.
However, there is trouble in paradise—yesterday’s charm and today’s traffic find themselves at odds. State Route 188 arches north and south through the heart of the village, intersecting with County Road 17 smack dab in the middle of downtown Pleasantville. Four prominent buildings surround this intersection, adding to Pleasantville’s colloquial charm. But they lean out over the sidewalk like anxious war-brides watching for their soldier’s return and make it very difficult to see oncoming traffic. East and west travelers are forced to creep tenuously into the path of oncoming traffic to determine if the intersection is clear.
I see it as an adventure as I cautiously extend my metallic nose into the oncoming lanes; trusting, hoping, praying oncoming traffic will slow, swerve or defer to my clumsy attempt to cross safely.
No sooner do I clear that tricky intersection than I’m faced with a second odd-shaped intersection. As I continue across the State Route (Main Street) and amble past Market Street, I come upon the intersection of West Maple and East Columbus. This intersection isn’t without it’s perils. You see, West Maple Y’s into East Columbus Street (County Road 17, aka Pleasantville Road). Adding to the confusion, Fairfield Union’s Pleasantville Grade School fronts the southwest corner of this intersection, resulting in an very active three-way stop, particularly during the few hours the children arriving or leaving the school.
My schedule has me arriving at the school’s busy intersection at approximately the same time as every Pleasantville student within walking distance. And it’s at this very intersection I have entered into a inspiring relationship with a diminutive man in a ball cap wearing a fluorescent vest. He speaks softly and carries a big stick (with a big caution flag attached).
I remember the first day he arrived on the job. I smiled at his energy; I’m ashamed to admit, I was bemused and condescending at his high degree of animation as he took control of the intersection. I thought, “Okay, friend, I’ve seen school children crossing at a stop sign before. You don’t have to point at me with that flaggy thing!”
At first, I thought, “Man, this dude is really taking his job way too seriously!” He lowered his gaze and looked through my windshield, and I felt like his pointed finger was actually pressing against my chest.
When children approach this confusing intersection in the little village of Pleasantville, he strides to the center and takes command. It clearly becomes his intersection. Like the Mona Lisa, you believe his eyes follow you as you pass though his gaze seems fixed. His students chatter and skip carefree across like chicks under a cocky rooster’s wing. It is clear to every motorist—we have entered into his domain.
It took me several trips to fully appreciate his dedication. Now, instead of smirking at his overly-serious, never-crack-a-smile approach. I admire him. I think to myself, “I would send my precious granddaughters across the world’s busiest intersection under this man’s protective care.” He inspires me to take my responsibilities more seriously, he reminds me by his quiet enthusiasm that life works better when we take our responsibilities personally. I applaud you Mister-I-Got-My-Eye-On-You crossing guard.
The Bible tells us how God watches over us with the same intense energy.
“The LORD will keep you from all harm—he will watch over your life; the LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.” Psalm 121:7-8
Just as Pleasantville’s children cross life’s dangerous paths safely knowing the man with the flag and vest takes his job seriously, we can focus on each day’s responsibilities knowing the Heavenly Father goes before us offering protection and provision. Like those children, we may never see the many threats to our safety that have already surrendered to His authority.