Love Lessons in a Church Parking Lot

Maria V. Gallagher discovers there is a whole lot to learn about love as she deals with the trials found in her neighborhood church parking lot. 

My father, who was a stand-up comedian as a young man, had a parody song he would launch into on Sundays.

The little ditty went like this: "And they’ll know we are Christians by the way we drive." (For information about the original song on which this line is based, please see Hymnary.org).

My Daddy would burst into song as my mother, who was our designated family driver, would inevitably encounter a fellow motorist who was, shall we say, not exactly charitable.

I was reminded of this childhood memory on Easter Sunday this year.

Easter Challenges

In Pennsylvania, where I live, the heavens burst forth with a torrent of rain on Easter. There was so much rain, in fact, that my sister and I decided to wait a few minutes in our apartment complex parking lot before venturing out to church.

But the rain was steady and merciless. I prayed that we would not encounter flooding on the roads — a prayer that, thankfully, was answered.

However, when we arrived at church, I noticed that the parking lot was filled with cars — the holdovers from the 8 AM Mass. Apparently, Mass had concluded just as we entered the scene.

It was a bit chaotic: people streaming forth from the church, trying to dodge the raindrops. My sister suggested we wait in the lot before venturing toward the portico where I could drop her off before parking.

I now believe that my sister’s admonition was a prompting of the Holy Spirit. But, as is so often the case, I didn’t want to deal with it. I was on a mission, and I would not be deterred.

So I pulled up by the portico and told my sister, “Take your time getting out.” She has mobility issues, so I live in fear that she will fall and be completely incapacitated.

By that time, more people were leaving the church. My sister hesitated to get out of the car — probably because she was afraid of accidentally hitting someone with the car door. After a couple of minutes, my sister gingerly opened the car door. A woman waiting outside the church called out, “Can you move up?” Apparently, quite the line of cars had formed behind us, and her ride was one of them.

I tried to explain that I was just dropping my sister off, but, between the pouring rain, the buzz of departing worshippers, and the rumble of car engines, she couldn’t hear me. My sister gamely called out, “Sorry about that!” She exited the car with a grin.

I, however, felt my day had been ruined. I had started off Easter Sunday on a low note, antagonizing my fellow parishioners. And this was not the first time I’d had a church parking lot meltdown.

The Stand-Off

Some years ago, I got into a stand-off in front of church when another woman and I squared off in competition for a parking space. I wouldn’t budge, she looked exasperated, and a bad time was had by all. As I peered through the windshield, I noticed my nemesis was the wife of the man who owned the company that audited our books at work. I sheepishly drove off, hoping against hope that the woman would forgive me.

Over the years, I have come to realize that church parking lots are some of the most challenging evangelization fields around. People are generally in a hurry, which leads to impatience and anger. It’s hard to remember that we are an Alleluia people when you are dodging cars right and left.

I say this as someone who actually wrote a book about finding joy. If only I would listen to my own words!

Moving Forward — with Love

I have now decided to follow a new course: demonstrating that I am a Christian not only inside church walls but outside in the parking lot. Here is a little prayer I have come up with to strengthen my resolve:

Dear Heavenly Father,

As I enter the church parking lot, please help me to remember that I am surrounded by brothers and sisters in Christ. Make me courteous and kind, knowing that I am an ambassador of your love. If I encounter challenges, may I exhibit the tolerance you showed as you carried your cross. Jesus, I trust in You — even when I am in a hurry. Help me to understand that You are in control.

If you see me in the church parking lot, please give me a wave: the post-pandemic international sign of peace.

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Copyright 2026 Maria V. Gallagher
Images: Canva