This Is Just A Warning

So, this morning on my way to work I got pulled over. I was driving on 5th street, [sarcasm]and I totally love 5th street[/sarcasm]. Anyways, i'm getting pulled over by a cop on a motorcycle. I immediately went into "innocent until proven guilty" mode even though I knew I was going over the speed limit. So I pull into the parking lot of a park (same one where I used to play basketball back in the day), thinking this is not the best way to start my day. So the cop gets off his bike and gestures for me to let my window down. I did, of course. He then asked for my driver's license. No "Good morning", no "how are you doing sir?" no "Hey, arent you dogfight!? I love your music". None of that. I mean the least he could have done was asked for my autograph. Geez!

Anyways, I obliged and gave him my driver's license. He then tells me he pulled me over because I was speeding AND my registration had expired. I had no excuse for the registration but like anyone in my shoes would do; I told him I had no idea I was speeding. He then tells me I was driving at 45 mph in a 30mph zone. No way! I took a couple of seconds to think of an intelligent response as I saw him writing up what looked like a ticket. I'm stuttering trying to come up with words to keep him from continuing to write; actually considered crying. (In hindsight, i'm realizing that its just a ticket that I could either take a drivers safety course and get dismissed or just pay the couple hundred dollar fine. Definitely not worth crying about).

So he hands me the piece of paper he had been writing on and tells me to go get my new registration sticker. And then he says the five word phrase that totally changed my life (okay maybe not life, but at least my morning). He says "this is just a warning". All of a sudden I no longer wanted to jump up and fight this cop who is much bigger than me; now I wanted to jump out of my car and give him a big bear hug. But then I remembered he had a gun so I just smiled and thanked him.

A bit dramatic? Yeah I know but for the record, this is the first time EVER i've been pulled over and just been giving a warning. And this was for not just one but two offenses. I've always wondered what it felt like and after today I wonder no more. This makes me think of all the offenses I've committed against the Almighty God and how I deserve eternal damnation. I broke the law and deserve the punishment. But just like the cop this morning, the Lord has mercy on me. Instead of a ticket to hell, He lets me off with the opportunity and the ability to get right.

10Jesus stood up and said to her, "Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?" 11She said, "No one, Lord." And Jesus said, "Neither do I condemn you; go, and from now on sin no more." JOHN 8

But unlike this Stafford Police Department officer, the decision cost God the sacrifice and humiliation of His Son dying on a man-made Cross. Thank You Father, thank You Jesus. I'm now going to get my registration sticker. First thing tomorrow.

Grace & Peace