...what can happen when you get a ticket

Flashback: It's early March 2007 on a typical Wednesday night (already dark out) and I was going to cell group with Jana, who is starting to cry in the backseat. She likes it when I sing, so I'm belting out all these kiddie songs that I know (and I know quite a lot now). All of a sudden, I come to a sign 'Road Closed (to Thru Traffic)'. I'm not going thru and I had no idea where the construction actually is, so I'm debating whether or not I should go through. Seeing that it's already dark and I saw no detour signs and did not no the side roads very well, I decide to go as far as I can until I have to turn around. Sounds like a good plan, eh? WRONG-O! As soon as I pull past the sign, I see the flashing lights. DOH! Now, Jana is truly wailing b/c the lights are right in her eyes and I can't really get out and console her. Anyways, you know the drill - license, registration, and the flashlight in your eyes. I was so flustered I didn't really say much. After what seemed like 15 minutes, I was handed a ticket and I head home to vent to Kev.

A few weeks later: I was praying about this incident b/c I was really mad. I felt like I was treated unfairly b/c I didn't feel like I broke the law. Plus, a previous incident where I was pulled over for nothing didn't help. But I was trying to give it up to God - all my frustrations, negative emotions, and false perceptions. Then one night, I had a dream that my ticket was dismissed when I got to court. I was trying to stay positive and immediately claimed this dream.

Yesterday: The big court date finally arrives. I'm a bit nervous, esp. since I hadn't been praying all that hard. Oops. But this morning, I'm holding on, with every fiber of my being to that dream I had and also to God's goodness and undeserved grace. I'm also asking for God's favor and praying under my breath almost the whole time. I finally get to see the Prosecutor and was trying to explain myself in a not-so-eloquent fashion. He was in the middle of offering me another offense with no points, when he gets a call and gets sidetracked. But when he hangs up, he leans in and tells me my ticket was dismissed, now go wait to see the Judge. Huh? I can hardly believe it. It had come true. Oh. My. Goodness. God. Loves. Me. :D :D :D

Anyways, I'm still pretty flabbergasted when I think about it. Another lesson learned re: grace and I realized more just how much I don't deserve it and how much I'm so glad I don't have to 'deserve it' to get it. Thank you, Jesus!

While waiting for my turn to face the Judge, I was given a tiny glimpse of the Final Judgment Day when all your unrepented sins will be reviewed in front of everyone. For those that have never gotten a ticket and needed to go to court - when you're called up to face the Judge, you get your original offense(s) and also the amended offense(s) [usually one with no points if you plea bargain with the Prosecutor] read aloud in front of everyone. Then He asks you if you want to plea guilty or not guilty. But some people had pretty embrassing or silly offense(s) that they probably didn't want everyone to know about. Reminded me to go home and re-examine my life and repent of anything I haven't yet and let Him work in me to get to that point. Anyways, I'm so glad it's all done and over with. Thank you, Jesus!