First of all, let me start this post by telling you all what a great night we had at theBOX. Hanging out was great, music was great, and I really got into the message, too. Tonight we talked about how our actions are worship. It was just a great time.
After theBOX, I even had the joy of one of my sponsors coming up to me and asking how he and his wife can be praying for me! How awesome?!
So, driving home from theBOX to get my shower and await my late-night Wendy’s meal that my wife is picking up – I called Mom & Dad. I was having a great conversation with Mom as I pulled into our duplex driveway.
Then the guy behind me turned on these red-and-blue lights.
Ugh.
Pulled over in my own parking spot! How humiliating.
When you get pulled over you atleast (maybe just me) want to have been speeding on an Interstate highway or something or atleast going like 30-over the speed limit (okay, that’s just not right, I know!) – but to get pulled over in my own driveway – that’s just sad.
So, I roll the window down, turn the car off and await my fate.
I was approached by Mr. Winona Lake Police Officer and politely told that I was driving 50+ in a 35 (the “50+” is HIS description – I’m not trying to look good or anything..) He politely asks if I have any “justification for driving over the speed limit”.
I answered with a “no” and then this explaination: “I’m just headed home after a long day and then youth group tonight – I’m a youth pastor here in town.”
He asked for my license and registration – making me believe the “pastor card” didn’t work with this guy.
He looked over my information and asked, “Where are you a youth pastor at?”
I said, “The Wesleyan Church”.
He said, “Pay more attention to your speed, sir. Good-night.”
WOWEE!
I said, “Thank you VERY much, sir.” as he walked away.
I re-aligned my car into the driveway and walked inside as if I had just been given a Million dollars.
I called Mom back and told her the good-news. She was even happy for me.
And after that whole ordeal, the story of Grace – God’s Grace continues to be in the forefront of my mind. I know it’s “over-preached”, but I sit here tonight realizing the similarities between the two stories and realize once again how UNDESERVING I really am of #1 – getting let out of receiving a ticket – and #2 getting the free gift of Salvation.
I hate taking my Salvation for granted and yet I probably do every single day.
Stevan: do better with that, would ya?!
Thanks for “listening”, my friends.
“All The Hits So Far” by Bradley Hathaway (RELEVANT books) was on my list of must-reads since I first saw it advertised at RELEVANTmagazine.com months ago.
