Citation

The green arrow tells me it is safe to turn left. I barely get around the corner and when the red and blue flashing lights turn on. I had no idea why I was being pulled over. I started to panic thinking maybe I had touched my phone at the stoplight. All I could think was, “Please don’t give me a ticket. I don’t want a citation on my record.

The officer walks up to the window and says my plates are expired. I have never forgotten to renew my license tabs. Then I remembered my nephew had mentioned it a couple of weeks prior. I had run out and checked for myself. My back tag was gone but the front one was there. I told this to the officer and she checked the front. No tab. She gave me the citation and told me what to do if I could provide proof of purchase.

Certain I had a cancelled check or credit card statement proving the purchase, I looked through everything. I pay bills as soon as they arrive. I renew tabs as soon as the notice arrives. I put them on my car immediately. I don’t forget. This is not a mistake I make until now.

All afternoon, I stewed on the fact I clearly hadn’t purchased the tabs, but clearly remember seeing the right year when I had checked prior to the citation. Was I losing my mind? How did I miss this? Was I that distracted by work?

10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God,so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God. (Ephesians 6:10-13a NIV).

Distraction and busyness are my greatest struggles. I use them as a defense. They keep me from facing emotional struggles, but they also keep me from God. Usually my distractions don’t cost me a citation, but this has been a great reminder that my busyness not only defers whatever emotional junk I’m trying to avoid, it also puts distance between God and I.

This has been a good opportunity for me to do a check of my spiritual life. How is my church attendance? How is my prayer life? How is my devotional/study time? Have I been too distracted to care for the most important aspect of my life?

How does your spiritual inventory come out? Do you use distraction and busyness to avoid difficult situations or emotions? What puts distance between you and God? Share your experience here and breathe life and bring hope to others.

2 thoughts on “Citation

  1. That must feel very surreal.

    Yes, distractions and to-do lists get between me and God. Also a desire to be lazy in front of the TV with my husband who is wonderful but not a “spend time with God person.” Fortunately I get worship twice a week, once when we record and again on Sunday, but it can be easy to slip into work mode and not take it in fully.

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