Have you ever had the experience of someone waving in your direction, but you are unsure if it is for you or somebody behind you? There is this moment in which you have to choose to wave back and potentially look like a fool, or to ignore them and potentially be rude.

A few weeks ago, standing in my neon-colored vest in carline, I shared this experience. A mom standing nearby was holding her toddler about 25 feet away. They both seemed to be looking at me, and the toddler was shyly making hand gestures in my direction. So what did I do?

Well, looking like a fool has rarely been a concern of mine (I am well practiced), so I enthusiastically waved back. A huge smile immediately formed on the child’s face, as the pair spent several more moments looking in my direction and basking in the apparent pleasure of receiving my acknowledgment. What a great way to start the day!

A few days later I ran into the same mom and referenced that joyful meeting. She quickly confessed that her toddler believes that I am Buzz Lightyear! Apparently, my neon vest and cartoonish features have brought this animated character to life in this toddler’s eyes. How fun is that! Now when I see them, I shout, “To infinity and beyond!”

We can intentionally and humbly pray that our lives can be a shadow of the substance we know to be Christ. As Paul encouraged us to imitate him as he imitated Christ, may those who imitate us imitate much of the life of Christ. In the same way, may we look for superheroes around us who give glimpses of the love and power of Christ. As believers, we are already living in the “infinity”. As we work out our own salvation, may the “beyond” of the victorious life of Christ be revealed through us and others we choose to imitate.