I got a speeding ticket driving home from my last Seminary Intensive in January of 2013. Four years of driving from home to school and back, twice a year and they got me on that last trip home. It was 7:00 on a Sunday morning and I was taking a classmate to the airport on my way -- then there he was with the flashing lights right behind me -- going 72 in a 65 zone -- Zinged, Gotcha! Little did I know that the January trip would be the first of several road trips and the shortest of them all, Needless to say I have been wary when it comes to speed limits during my travels ever since.
This week I found myself in the car for a long 13-14 hour trip from Chicago, IL to Greensboro, NC. As I set my speed control, I noticed that I did not set it at the posted speed limit but I set my cruise control just a bit higher, you know, somewhere in that speed limit plus 5 range. I have always heard that the police will give you 5 miles grace!
I began thinking about that, the LIMIT was clearly posted at 65 MPH, why did I feel the need to push the limit? It was not a recommended speed it was a SPEED LIMIT, this is as fast as you should go! But no, I rationalized that I could safely drive 5 miles above the LIMIT and besides, that allowed the car behind me to go the posted limit and still stay behind me! Ever had those thoughts? Be honest!
Anyway, all this made me think of God's limits and how so very often I am convinced (rationalize?) that I can push just beyond the limit and still be safe. That is when I fall right into God's grace! God's grace is just like those 5 extra miles and then much, much more! However, as I sped along into that territory that was no longer a part of the policeman's grace I found the consequences were based on the totality of my misdeed and my speeding ticket was based on the 7 miles over the limit that the officer clocked. Just a LITTLE MORE push and I ended up in big trouble -- a hefty fine AND a 4-hr traffic school. Yep, life is like that for me sometimes. I push the limit and end up in big trouble. I didn't mean to get into trouble, just wanted to stay ahead of the other person. Just wanted to see how well I could "go it alone".
I am finally learning to see God's limits not so much as restraints but as protection, positioning, purpose all personalized just for me. As I head home next week and begin that drive back towards Chicago, I will think twice about where to set that cruise control. Maybe this time I will listen to that wee small voice and stay within the limit. Maybe.
Where do you wander outside the limits?
Where does God's grace find you?
Will your cruising just beyond the limits lead to unexpected consequences?
No comments:
Post a Comment