The White Rock

Community is so very important in our lives. Our families grow up in these communities, our kids friends and their families become apart of each others lives. The people we are with at work day in and day out become a part of our family too. I thank God that I live in a loving, supportive community. When times get tough we come together to support each other celebrating events together also helps us stay connected.

We raised our family in this community that has a wacky and wonderful tradition of painting a rock that we all drive past, whenever anything significant happens in the community. People announce birthdays and anniversaries, as well as welcoming each other home. When Tanner fell off the cliff his friends all got together and painted the rock to tell people to pray for him and again to welcome him when he came home from the hospital. There are times that the rock is repainted several times in one week and times it holds a touching message for a longer time.

There are several theories about how the rock got its start. Personally, I think it was our hardware store. Let me tell you, they sell a lot of paint for the rock! I can't imagine how many layers of paint are on there. My family alone has painted it dozens of times. Kids don't turn 16 in our town without the rock getting painted to congratulate them. When the 4th of July comes around you can bet our rock will be dressed up in red, white, and blue just like the rest of us.

Our rock is also used as a billboard to announce upcoming events. It is common to see cub scouts or cheerleaders out painting the rock. Often you see a group covered in paint all laughing and having a creative moment as they paint their particular message. Other times you see a group standing beside the rock hugging each other as they share their sorrow at the rock over a particular loss.

Last week, we lost one of our shining stars in an automobile accident. Ashley had a smile that brightened all of our lives. Her families loss was felt by this community and over 500 people came out for the celebration of her life. Sometimes, when we lose one of our own, people put candles and other memorials around the white rock as well as the message on the rock.


Every community has quirks that make it a special place to live. Ours is the white rock that everyone passes as we drive into town. It is one way our community stays connected in each others lives. A place to share or joys and sorrows as we all move through life in this wonderful little town.

In Him,
Joyful
3-9-2010