I have become more aware of the parallel that exists between my daily life and the word of God. Each day it seems that I am faced with something that when I slow myself down enough to see what has happened, I can see that God is talking to me. It has become sort of a challenge for me. It has become something that I look forward to each day. I wonder what God will use today to get my attention. Well, God was working early today....
This morning on the way to the church building I was taking in the beauty of the snow, that had fallen they day before. I was taking my normal route to work driving down Moore Street. Yes, I know that the posted speed limit on Moore is 30 mph, and yes I know that many times there is a police officer parked across from the Lightle Center waiting on that person going too fast. Well, this morning that person was me. As I crested the hill, I saw him and then it was too late. As he pulled in behind me all I could say was, "oh my". He turned on his lights and I pulled over in the parking lot of Berryhill Park. All I could think was, "Here goes another $125.00, perfect timing." As the officer came to my window and asked for the normal items officers ask for, I was unusually nervous. The officer was very nice and polite, he even made some small talk with me. When he asked why I was speeding, this is how I responded, "I don't know?" Genius! Here is where I had the opportunity to give some great answer and all I could come up with was that!! I then preceded to become more nervous. So, I quickly followed it up with, "I am sorry." Genius, yet again, but I did not know what else to say! So, as the officer makes his way back to his car I am beginning to come to terms with this situation. I start thinking, I have the money to pay the ticket, so there is nothing to worry about. I mean, I haven't had that many tickets, so it won't hurt me. After all, I was guilty and I deserved to be punished. Then I saw him get out of his car and approach my window. He handed me my information, and said I am going to give you a "verbal warning"! I almost started crying (which would have been real manly). He said, "You have a clean driving record, so I don't see the need to give you a ticket. Just please slow down and don't be in a hurry." So, me being the tough guy that I am said, "Thank you so much, I cannot tell you how much I appreciate you." Then I shook his hand!! GRACE!!! That officer of the law extended me something I did not deserve, grace. I was guilty and I deserved to be punished, but he set me free! WOW!! Why? What could have possessed him to do that? I even admitted to speeding! Yet, he let me go with no charge!
I saw God early this morning. I heard Him speaking to me in the form of a kind police officer. God said, "Even though you are not worthy of it, I am going to let you go." Even though I have admitted to doing wrong He is not going to punish me. As soon as I got back on the road I could hear the words of God through the Apostle Paul saying, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weakness, so that Christ's power may rest on me." (2 Corinthians 12:9) GRACE. You never know how good it feels until you receive it. Many times we read about it and study it, but until it is extended to us we never really grasp the concept. This morning God reminded me that even though I have not earned a free pass, He is going to give it to me. All I have to do is say yes!
You know what I did? I wrote that officer a note. I wrote him to thank him for extending grace and kindness to me. I told him that I appreciated him and I know that God used him this morning to remind me of what HE has done for me! It is my prayer that I will be more proud of my weaknesses, so that Christ's power can rest on me!!! Never do I want to forget what He did for me. I know that I will never be worthy of the sacrifice He gave, but I can guarantee that I will not miss a moment or opportunity to surround my life with it! His grace!
Not worthy, now that's an understatement, but I am so thankful that He chose to extend the gift of grace and freedom to me. I will accept it!
Just Thinking-
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