June 4, 2008
Did you ever think getting stopped by the police for speeding could be a blessing? Well, it was for me!
As I left work today, Elizabeth called me and then Addy wanted to talk, so she and I talked for 3 or 4 miles. I will be the first to admit that I am not good at talking on the phone while driving because I tend to want to listen - really listen to my caller and don’t check my speedometer. I pay attention to the traffic around me, but can’t tell you the speed I’m going while talking.
As Addy and I were talking, I saw a police car sitting beside the road just ahead, shooting his radar. I knew immediately that I was speeding. As I drove by him, he pulled out onto the road, but didn’t turn his lights on, so I thought maybe he didn’t have his radar on after all! Wrong!
He waited until the vehicle between us turned and then when he was directly behind me, turned on his lights. I pulled over and it took him quite a while to get clearance - because of the traffic - to get out of his car. He came to my window and asked for my DL and Insurance verification and said he stopped me because he clocked me at 53 in a 40 mph zone. I told him I knew that I must have been speeding. He asked me how my driving record is and I could honestly tell him, it was perfect. I have not had a ticket since I was 18 - am 50 now and have never had a speeding ticket in my entire life!
He told me he would be back in a bit and went to his car. He came back in what seemed like forever! and said he was only going to give me a warning. I thanked him and went on my way! How awesome is that?! I still have no speeding tickets - ever! He was really nice and told me to have a good evening as he let me go.
It really brightened my day! I know that probably sounds a little weird, but you would have to be living my life to understand. The past two weeks have been very difficult and I was beginning to find myself taking each and everything “difficult” thing in my life personally . . . Deciding that I was having difficulty because of “something” that “somehow” must be my fault! Satan has really been working overtime in my life these last few weeks, but today my “scrape” with the law (hee, hee) helped me see much more clearly!
As I think about my feelings through these times and how everything in my life seems to be closing in - suffocating me, my thoughts after being stopped were different. I felt a renewed sense of God’s grace in my life. I know that He is carrying me through these times and He is still in control. On my way to work this morning, as I drove I prayed - giving it all to God.
“O Lord my God, in You I put my trust;”
Psalm 7:1
I had to lay it at His feet because I can’t carry it myself! This afternoon showed me that Grace abounds all around me and in my life!
Sometimes, it becomes hard to focus on that - but I’m working at it. J has taught me so many things, so many coping skills for when I start to feel overwhelmed. A year ago - even six months ago, I would have just fallen deeper and deeper into the “pit”.
I can’t imagine my life without God - without the Grace and Mercy that He affords me! It’s such a blessing to know that I’m not in control! Wow! What a mess that would be! He knows my heart. He knows my life. He knew me before I was. I am blessed beyond measure!
Psalm 139
1) “O Lord, You have searched me and know me. 2) You know my sitting down and my rising up; 3) You comprehend my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways. 4) For there is not a word on my tongue, but behold, O Lord, You know it altogether. 5) You have hedged me behind and before, And laid Your hand upon me. 6) Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; It is high, I cannot attain it.”
13) For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother’s womb. 14) I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well. 15) My frame was not hidden from You, When I was made in secret.
16) Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed. And in Your book they all were written, the days fashioned for me, When as yet there were none of them.”
1) “O Lord, You have searched me and know me. 2) You know my sitting down and my rising up; 3) You comprehend my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways. 4) For there is not a word on my tongue, but behold, O Lord, You know it altogether. 5) You have hedged me behind and before, And laid Your hand upon me. 6) Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; It is high, I cannot attain it.”
13) For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother’s womb. 14) I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well. 15) My frame was not hidden from You, When I was made in secret.
16) Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed. And in Your book they all were written, the days fashioned for me, When as yet there were none of them.”
In His Love and Blessings
annb
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