Heidi Viars

There are few questions I despise. One of them is, “Do you know how fast you were going, ma’am?”

I knew I was busted. He was nicely tucked in at the bottom of the hill.  As soon as I passed him, he pulled out. With my eyes glued to my review mirror, I was hoping he was going for someone else (sorry, just being honest here). Nope, his lights lit up and right there, on the main street, in busy mid-day traffic, I sat digging for my license and proof of insurance. Maybe he would show me mercy. But I had a feeling it would hurt.

And hurt it did. 41 mph in a 25 mph zone is not cheep. He said, “I will have to give you a citation. You can appear in court or pay the fine before the court date.” My eyes wandered quickly across the paper. There it was in tiny numbers but silently screaming at me “$200.50” …

This has left me thinking for most part of the day about God’s mercy, and how much of it He shows me every day. How often do I take it for granted and ignore Him? How often do I run around, ignoring the signs He sets out for me? How often do I do it my way, instead of His?  He sets up boundaries for me and slows me down. He draws lines and hedges around me. He keeps me safe within His will and law. However, He does not hesitate to discipline me, or let consequences have their way to keep me from greater harm down the road.

“Father, help me to love your Word. Help me to know Your word and commandment. Let it soak into my being and let it keep me from harm. Help me to love and meditate on it. You know so much better than I. You love me with an everlasting love. Thank You for Your mercies… and also for Your discipline!”

The Lord is my portion;
I have promised to keep Your words.
I sought Your favor with all my heart;
Be gracious to me according to Your word.
 I considered my ways
And turned my feet to Your testimonies.
Psalm 119:57-59