Day 34: Saturday, Week 7—Happy Anniversary

Jeremiah 33:10-16; Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29; Mark 10:32-52

Before I head out for an extended road trip, I check out the car: tire inflation, oil, and the lights. Before we left on Friday for the 25^th anniversary of a friend’s ordination everything was in good shape. As we pulled out, I grabbed the mail. The renewal tag for our auto registration was there, but, already leaving later than we had hoped, I tossed the mail in the back.

A little after midnight in Nebraska, my wife commented on how dark it was. Shortly afterwards she noticed a police car. Soon the police car was right behind us. Then the flashing lights appeared.

We were asked if we knew that our registration had expired. We explained it was renewed and started digging in the back for the mail.

The deputy checked the computer. Yes, we had paid and the tag had been mailed. Finally we were released with a warning for a headlight that was out.

Sunday, after worship and reception, we began the trip home. In Missouri, we were pulled over again. Did we know that we had a burned out headlight and that our license tag was expired?

We explained that yes, we knew (producing our warning ticket from Nebraska), and we had the tag in the back, but we had not replaced the lamp or put on the tag. With a friendly acknowledgment of the difficulties in finding a replacement lamp on the weekend in rural areas, we were allowed to continue with the advice of using our high beams whenever appropriate. We were also encouraged to find the tag in the morning.

An hour later, in Iowa, we were stopped again. Finally I asked, “Why the hyper vigilance? Certainly they weren’t stopping every car they saw with one light burned out and slightly expired plates.

The deputy told us that a dark colored Pontiac Vibe had been used in a bank robbery. All patrols in the Midwest had been notified. In the morning, we found the tag and replaced the lamp. Made right with the law, we went happily on our way home.

As we prepare ourselves for the observance of Passion Sunday and Holy Week, we ask with Bartimaeus for vision in the darkness. With Christ’s touch we clearly see the way to the cross and follow on the way.

Prayer

Lord, in our darkness, we are tempted to think of our burdens as our crosses to carry. Help us to look outside of ourselves, to take up your cross, and with your vision, follow on your way. Amen