Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. – Romans 8:1
We all need second chances. We are now into our first year of having a licensed teen driver in our house. Every time Ella Kate leaves the house, we tell her, “Be safe.” As we watch her drive away, we are often nervous. This past year has made me think about my many adventures as a young teenage driver.
I remember the first time I was pulled over by a police officer. I was only 16 and, apparently, he was not as impressed with my driving skills as I was. When he approached my car, he asked me for my driver’s license and if I might be aware of why he pulled me over. I quickly gave him my license and told him I was not sure why he was pulling me over. I sat in my car, shaking from being nervous. Because there were others in my car, the officer invited me back to his car for a moment. I had no idea what to expect! It was my first time being pulled over and my first time in a patrol car.
We sat in the front seat. He took a moment to write a few things on the ticket. He then looked at me and proceeded to walk me through what to expect. The officer was very kind and did not hold my ignorance against me. Instead, he politely called my attention to a sign on the side of the road I had just been traveling on. It seems I was going the wrong way on a one-way street. I had no idea! Thankfully, he let me off with a warning and sent me on my way… the right way this time.
I was so thankful that the officer chose to share a kind word of correction with me. He gave me direction for my driving and sent me down the road. I believe that God acts with even greater grace towards us in the adventures of life. Through grace and mercy, God offers a new direction for us so that our journey may continue. During this season of Lent, I am choosing to give thanks for the many “second” chances I have received in life and the opportunities I have been given to experience the great adventure God has in store for me. I hope you will take time to reflect on the same and remember that we can trust in God’s good grace through his Son, Christ Jesus, our Lord.
Rev. Keith King, Pastor of Worship
