NOT GUILTY!

It’s been four months since I was stopped by a police officer and received a moving violation. $109.00 in fees and three points against my record. “Failure to come to a complete stop at a stop sign.” I remember the night well. The kids and I were taking Emeline to soccer practice. I was on the phone with my mom discussing an important issue, the boys were fighting in the back seat, and I was yelling at them while trying to talk to my mom. Before I knew it I saw the red flashing lights behind me.

Being married to a man who frequents court for one reason or another insisted I request a trial to ask the judge to remove the points, so that is what I did. Today was the court date to appear. The kids thought I was going to play tennis when they heard the word "court"..nope not today. This was my first time in court and I expected to be the only one for my 9:00 appointment. I was stunned to realize many people just like me had a court date at the same time!!

I must admit I secretly prayed and asked the Lord to have my police offier on vacation. I heard that if that is the case they throw the case out. Then I wouldn’t have to face the guy again and feel like an idiot telling him and the judge why they should let me off the hook. After all the law is the law and apparently I disobeyed. I honestly don’t remember the stop sign that night. I’m sure I must have slowed down but no surprise that I basically blew through it!

The court room was fascinating, yet I was nervous, more then I’ve felt in a long time. I realized I had no iedea what to say when I approached the judge. I honestly didn’t remember what I did at the stop sign so the officer must be right yet I didn’t want to keep the points on my record. I started praying and asking God to help me know what to say.

Sure enough after several police officers came and went my officer was called by the judge but was not present. The judge called me up. I didn’t know what to say so I didn’t say anything, not even good morning! I waited for him to speak. The first words out of his mouth, “Let me guess, you were going to Mackelsfield Park”. Yep, smart guy he was, I guess I look like a soccer mom. He then told me that since the officer wasn’t there I am “Not Guilty” and my money for the ticket and court fees will be refunded. Still so nervous I quickly verified that the points would be removed as well. His response, “If you’re not guilty then you can’t have any points marked against your record.” OF COURSE NOT! Silly me, lucky me, blessed me!!

I serve a God of grace and mercy. The grace part is when we get something that we don’t deserve. The mercy part is when we don’t get something that we do deserve. According to the law I deserved to at least pay a fine. I was just pleased to have the points removed. To have both the points removed AND have my money refunded made my day. It was also a reminder to me of what Chrsit did for us. He came and died on the cross to save us from our sins. It is a gift, we don’t deserve it, we just have to accept it. Once we do, we’re deemed “NOT GUILTY”.

“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus.” Romans 6:23.

Blessings,

Debbie