The Sidewalk-Laid Band-Aid

I took the above picture while on a walk with my dog several weeks ago as part of my recent effort to practice taking an artistic photo. I don’t know if someone deliberately placed a discarded Band-Aid over the crack in this sidewalk, or if it just landed there after someone tossed it aside.

I know, it’s kind of disgusting. But that’s part why I took the picture. See, I saw it there as I was walking, and I stopped in my tracks because the potential allegory of it struck me right between the eyes (yes, we’ve established that I’m a sucker for symbolism).

I got in close to take the picture, and the image freeze-framed in my mind’s eye. Then this question floated to the surface of my mental ocean: what major issues or divisions am I, or are we as a society, trying to solve with a Band-Aid, or with as little or ineffective an effort as possible?

That sidewalk was poured length by length by design, with divisions built into it to separate each section. If that crack was to be made “whole,” somebody would have to come along, break up the entire length with a jackhammer, and reinstall a piece of sidewalk without the crack. There’s no “quick fix.” The division between one slab of concrete and the next is well-established.

And the band-aid is trash. It’s not where it’s supposed to be. It’s not performing the role it was made for: to cover a wound that will eventually heal itself. The solution does not match the “problem.” Also, as I said earlier, it’s kind of gross, because used Band-Aids are usually synonymous with bodily fluid, dead skin, and germs. No one wants to pick up another person’s used Band-Aid unless they’re wearing gloves or using one of those claw tools. And it’s hard to watch someone try to solve a big problem with a half-hearted, ineffectual, or inappropriate solution.

Lest I wax too philosophical, I’ll say just one more thing about where my thoughts went after capturing this image. I know I’ve made mistakes when trying to fix things or solve problems, mine or other people’s. I’ve definitely tried to put Band-Aids on life issues that needed surgery or a complete rebuild. What can I say? I tend to want to control things I have no real authority over, using solutions that don’t necessarily fit. But by the grace of God, I know I can let go of that desire, and I can trust Him to do whatever work is required.

No Band-Aids necessary.