The Red Car Phenomenon

This morning I was introduced to the “red car phenomenon.” As I understand it, the phenomenon works like this: you purchase a red car and suddenly notice red cars everywhere. Before you purchased the car, you paid no attention to the countless red cars on the road, but once you own one your sensitivity to red cars is heightened and you notice them all over the place.

Although I haven’t owned a red car, the phenomenon makes sense to me. I hear music from an obscure band only to hear their music three times later in the week; I learn about a famous soldier in the civil war and find his name coming up in a conversation soon after; or I’m introduced to an artist’s work only to see a number of her works in the coming days.

The red car phenomenon has also been true in my spiritual life. I write about something in the morning and then find myself talking about the same subject with people later in the day. I read a quotation from a theologian and then read a reference to him or her in something completely unrelated. I hear a sermon or read a passage from scripture and its message echoes throughout my week.

I realize that the red car phenomenon is all a matter of focus. The reason you notice red cars, recognize the a musician, painter, or author, is because you first bought a red car or heard, saw or read someone’s work. Then, with that heightened awareness, you see connections all over the place.

I suppose that is why I try to begin my days grounded in some theological thought. Trying to connect with God at the beginning of a day often leads to moments of connection throughout the day. A sermon I heard on Easter contained a similar point. We were told that when we look back at the empty tomb and seek to come to terms with the promise of new life it promises, we suddenly see countless empty tombs or examples of resurrection surrounding us. It is the red car phenomenon, the spiritual phenomenon, and for it I am indeed grateful.