Guilty...

The other night I was coming home from chaperoning a middle school dance and I had one thing on my mind - finally relaxing for the day. I had left home that morning before 7 a.m. and was returning about 10 pm. It had been a LONG day...because of that, I was driving a little faster than I realized. 

Yep - you guessed it. I passed a police car, looked down and saw I was over the limit and then looked up to see blue lights. I pulled over. I was guilty and I knew it. I waited for my just punishment and hoped it wouldn't be a huge ticket.

The police officer came to my window (from behind - for the first time I realized he had no idea that I was me...I could have been someone angry or even someone with a weapon!) I said hello and immediately said I am so sorry. I just didn't realize I was going so fast. I sat there in my ugly Christmas sweater and said something about chaperoning a jr. high dance - I think I was trying to explain my ugly sweater. I'm obviously not used to being stopped.

The officer asked my name, told me to slow down and be careful. I said "Yes, sir!" and thanked him profusely and told him to be safe as well. He then said "Merry Christmas."
Why share this with the world? Because at that moment I was completely overwhelmed with thankfulness for my Lord. I had a perfect example of being guilty and being forgiven. All I could think about was how I deserved punishment and instead, I received mercy. 

To the police officer, whoever you are, I am praying for you daily. You were a picture of Christmas to me the other night, not because you told me to be safe and have a Merry Christmas, but because you were a reminder of what Jesus did for me that very first Christmas when He brought mercy into this world. I pray that you will be safe because, like Christ, you face danger for me so that I don't have to. I pray you feel God's love and peace and goodness just as you showed it to me.

And for what it's worth, I am slowing down.

*(I just realized that I had made this picture at the dance...maybe I should have paid attention! LOL!)

Luke 23:41 New International Version (NIV)

41 We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.”

John 1:29 New King James Version (NKJV)

29 The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!