Watch for the Blue Signs on the Interstate
I was feeling a little nervous. All I could see along the interstate was trees and more trees (which I do love, by the way), but my stomach was already growling.
Jeff and I were traveling the roads between Alabama and North Carolina, and I needed a food plan. When I’m on empty, that’s more dangerous than no fuel in the car.
But when you’re in the middle of nowhere, you know your options are limited. What do you do?
You watch for the blue signs.
If you’ve driven on interstates in America since the 1971 Motorist Information Act went into effect, you’ve seen the big blue signs near interstate exits. They let you know that you are near restaurants or hotels or gas stations. They are often called logo signs.
But know that logo signs won’t give you a lot of information. There’s only room for six spots on the typical sign. And the price to get your business on the sign can be costly.
Guidelines vary from state to state, but in Alabama, here are a few of the qualifications for a restaurant to be put on a blue logo sign.
The restaurant . . .
- Must be no more than 2 miles from the Interstate via an all-weather road
- Must operate at twelve continuous hours per day, minimum six days a week
- Must serve at least two meals per day
- Must seat at least twenty people
- Must have restroom facilities suitable for public use, and a public telephone.
Now I’ve never been genuinely, completely hungry. Even on the days when I fast for a colonoscopy, I still eat jello or broth. And I at least know that after a few more hours, I will be able to choose my food again soon.
But I have seen people who have literally been completely out of food. I’ve gotten a call from a young friend who needed food to feed her two children but had nothing in the seedy motel room where she was holed up. I’ve seen people come off the street with nothing but a rolled up garbage bag holding every article of life they own, and none of it is edible.
So when I read this week’s memory verse when Jesus was talking about food, I have to wonder who was in the audience that afternoon.
“Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?'”
Matthew 6:31
Not knowing where your next meal is coming from is enough to make a person anxious.
So how are we to not be anxious, Jesus?
When I’m on the road, I watch for the blue signs. If I drive long enough, I’ll come across some. And that will mean food is around the corner.
But for people who have no access to transportation or money or privilege in this way? Their blue signs look different.
They often are watching for other people. People who can share their own dinner or point them to a food bank or get them on their feet or vote for politicians who care about helping the poor not be poor forever by passing more humane legislation.
If we need help, find the helpers.
If we don’t need help, be the helpers.
Maybe this is how Jesus wanted his love to be spread and for anxiety to lessen.
Live close enough to fellow human beings to hear their stomachs growl—and for them to hear yours. If you have five fish and two loaves, share them with your neighbor. And eat what they share with you.
And if you can’t bring them food or receive their food, at least be or follow their blue sign on the interstate, between the states of need and satisfaction, between here and there.
Jeff spotted the blue sign on Interstate 40 before I did. (I’m sure I had my nose in a book, attempting to distract myself from the rumble in my tummy.) We followed the sign to Arby’s and I got my beloved Beef and Cheddar sandwich on a regular bun.
We are privileged in that particular way. We can afford the travel. We can afford the food.
But not everyone can. Our privileges vary.
May I grow in compassion to care when others’ bellies are empty (or hearts are broken or feet are tired or minds are disturbed). May I grow in responsibility to alleviate hunger in its irregular forms. May I grow in love to do what I can do, whatever it is or however it looks.
I don’t want to be anxious about my next meal.
I don’t want you to have to be either.
What great encouragement to both be grateful for what we have and aware of what others need – and how we can supply it for them in some way. Being the hands and feet of God is something we are all called to do in varying ways. I’ll look out for one of those ways this week and be sure to do for others. Thanks Lisa!
“If we don’t need help, be the helpers.” Yes! I can miss the “blue signs” that others put up when absorbed in my own stuff, even when my belly is full. May we be aware of the needs of others that God places on our paths.
Lord, let me be that blue sign for others.
Blessings, Lisa!
I’m grateful for the reminder to pray for and support those for whom the next meal may not be a certainty. That’s a necessary reminder in our world where most of us struggle with too much food rather than not enough!
I love how you find the meaning in something so ordinary. I’ll always think of this when I see those signs now. (Not that I’m likely to be driving on an interstate anytime soon, but someday!)
the next time i spot one of those blue signs, i’ll not only have a better understanding of their logistics, but will remember your wise words, friend …
I never realized there are requirements to be listed on those blue signs 🙂 Moving forward, those signs will now be a reminder: “If we don’t need help, be the helpers.”
Lots of “food” for thought, Lisa. Your comment about who was in the audience when Jesus taught the Sermon on the Mount reminded me of an important Bible study question, “What did it mean to the original hearers?”
I’ve always found the blue signs reassuring as I travel. Great analogy for people!
I have to confess that, most often, as I read this verse (and I am working on memorizing the passage!!) I apply it to myself. Don’t be anxious for my needs. Remember God knows my needs. He is my provider and sustainer. But it is not “all about me.” Thank you for a fresh look at this verse. And, sadly, a rebuke and challenge about my short-sightedness.
Lisa, I could tell you some stories about my travels on freeways and how anxiously I searched the roadside for blue signs. I so appreciate the reminder to be help when I’m not in a place of needing it. Beautiful post.
A beautiful post Lisa.
blessings, Jennifer
Your post makes me pause and be grateful for the blessing I do have and often take for granted. and I love beef and cheddar too. Yummy.
I paused after grocery shopping yesterday – thankful for all the selections in the store and money to buy what I both wanted and needed.
Lisa this is beautiful and touched my heart. I was there at one time. I wasn’t earning enough at that time to make ends meet. I had to decide between food and medicine. I had went to Friends homes for dinner several times a week. Then over time things got better, a lot better. I’m in a good financial space and time now. May I always be that big blue sign to someone in need. { insert my tears here}. Thank you for this encouragement sweet friend.
visiting today from G&T
I so appreciate you sharing this piece of your story here, Paula. We all need help in different ways and different times, and I’m grateful for the helpers who come alongside us. Everyone is on both sides of the giving and receiving somehow or another. I’m grateful.
What a wonderful push to help those in need. We often resort to Google searches when driving to find food places since there are some long stretches of roads that don’t always have those blue signs.
It is comforting to see the Blue Signs when we travel. It is even more comforting to know we can have “blue signs” when we have concerns about circumstances in our lives. Some “blue signs” are prayer intercessors we meet along the way.