One way to wile away driving time is to search out cars emblazoned with vanity license plates. It's fun to match the driver with the slogan or to try and discern the puzzle displayed. Recently I figured out that RUANXUS must belong to a psychologist drumming up business and SPLBNDR might be a preacher short on vowels. I actually used to have one back in Iowa that proclaimed FREE2B, a succinct synopsis of my theology that continues to be accurate to this day.

One of my favorites reads AMANI, and before you strain your cerebellum trying to figure out that puzzle, I'll tell you that it is Swahili for PEACE. I learned that wonderful word while traveling in Africa from our Tanzanian guide of the same name. It was somehow holy to be traveling through the bush and hear over the CB radio, "Amani! Amani! Amani!" It was like a call to prayer.

Once I saw a luxury car with XPNSIV for a license plate. The need for status can drive one to foolish and very revelatory lengths. SEXY proclaimed another fellow in a red sports car who appeared, at least to me, anything but. One of my favorites zipping around Summit County reads IOUDAD..a tribute to paternal benevolence that some of us can really cherish.

What would you choose to reveal as your own pattern of belief? One of our parishioners shows up from time to time driving ICORXIII. That one shouldn't be too difficult considering we celebrate its truth every Sunday.