Living with a Radical Faith

I earned myself a speeding ticket yesterday.

Zipping along a beautiful stretch of road that winds between two lakes, there's a small town with a bait shop, a church, and a speed trap. As I'm reciting the scripture I'm trying to memorize and admiring the crisp sky, I spot a state trooper in the church parking lot.

I hit my brakes, glance at my speedometer, and pull over at the same time he pulls out and turns on his swirly lights.

He didn't say hello, even though I did. I handed over my license and registration. He turned on his heel and headed back to his car.

Five years ago I got a ticket in this exact same spot. I know better.

And yet, there I was in the exact same place.

When the officer returned with the ticket, I made sure to look him in the eyes. He told me the speed he clocked me at, and I tipped my head, drawing my eyebrows together. He wasn't correct. I was going at least 10 miles faster. It still was 19 miles over the posted speed.

I nodded, acknowledging his directions, and said, "Thank you."

I opened my wallet to return my driver's licensed and added, "Have a good afternoon."

The words were genuine, but I doubt he heard them. He was already walking back to his car. I couldn't stop myself from thinking how he was one grumpy officer.

Circumstances shouldn't have led me to be the kind one in this exchange. After all, it wasn't like he was the one who now had to pay a ticket instead of buying a new pair of cute boots.

Maybe I wasn't in the exact same place after all.

As I relayed the story to a friend, she said, "Wow! What a nice police officer. Over 20 would have led you to more points on your license and been a big deal to insurance. You're really lucky."

Her perspective helped turn mine.

Paul writes: For God works in you both to will and to work for his good pleasure. Do all things without grumbling or disputing... This is the scripture I was learning to memorize when I was pulled over.

I could see the irony, rolling my eyes: Now do this one thing without grumbling.

The ticket is meaningless in the grand scheme of things. My response, however, holds great purpose. I might have been the only person, all day, all week, all month, who said thank you. I may have been the first one in a long time to look him in the eyes.

If I've decided to live this life for all I'm worth with a radical faith, then it's these moments of irony that give me a chance to live out my beliefs.  Just because it was rotten to be caught in a speed trap, doesn't mean that I can't still be used to make the world a better place.

(I just won't be doing it with new boots!)

CELEBRATE This Week: XXXVII

I'm glad you are here to celebrate! Share a link to your blog post below and/or use #celebratelu to share celebrations on Twitter.

*****

Jordan is officially adopted! This takes the cake when it comes to celebrations. 

Any other week, I'd also celebrate...

1. Getting spoiled at the Choice Literacy Writing Retreat. I can't even put words to what it is like to have time and space to write, while being surrounded by other writers who just understand the process and the work and field of education.
2. I'm turning 37. In all of the excitement I think only my parental units remembered!
3. Hannah's 4-H project -- an adorable dress for her doll -- is complete. Hannah says she's never going to sew another stitch in her life. We'll see.
4. Ball tourneys start today. This is bittersweet. We love baseball and softball, but will also love reclaiming our afternoons and evenings.
5. I love the way Sam always finds fun. Here are two shots from Friday that capture his playfulness. Someone promise me he won't outgrow this.

"Let's take a selfie while we wait, Mom."

"I love it when you spray me with shivery cold hose water! Do it again!"

practical joker

"Ask Sam what he did to me today," Andy said as we were driving to a soccer game.

I look over my shoulder and Sam winks at me. "It was a good one, Mom."

I asked him to write the story for blog readers. (Stop back on Friday where I share my thoughts as a writing teacher of his story. Right now, just know as a Momma, I'm thrilled he was willing to write something I asked him to write under a deadline. Normally he only writes his own ideas on his own timeline!)

"You should have seen him," Andy said, "I looked over and he was rolling on the floor."

"Yeah, I just about died from laughing," Sam confirmed.

"Did Noah help you?" I asked.

"Ohhh, no!" Sam said, his blue eyes round. "I had to keep it a secret from everyone. I didn't want Dad to know."

"Really? Well, then how did you think of doing that?"

His smile gets even bigger. "Captain Underpants! You always find useful things when you read."

We laughed some more. He's funny.

"Maybe we should be a little scared," Andy said low-quiet so his voice wouldn't carry to the backseat. I lift my eyebrows. "He's really good at pulling off practical jokes and he's seven. Just wait. You might not be laughing so hard next time!"