STOP, LOOK and THEN GO

Last Sunday was the first Sunday of Advent. We’re making the trek to Bethlehem – the night that Christ was born. Today, the second Sunday of Advent, the second candle will be lit. I took this photo of the Advent Candle Wreath last Sunday at my church here in Frisco. Those of us who have purposed to slow down and breathe in the Reason for this Miracle Season, are STOPPING to LOOK and LISTEN for gentle nudges of Father God Who wants, more than anything, for His kids to breathe in the Reason for this Season, and then GO — exhale Him to our world that needs His hope, love, joy and peace so very much.

The second photo here is of more beautiful sparkling Christmas lights — NOT!!! Over the last few days, I was in Tulsa to continue assisting Karen, my sis-in-law, in completing Mom’s move from her home of 25 years to Karen’s home. Mom is in a STOP season of her life, but she is still LOOKING for feeling better so she can GO with sharing the love of Christ to those she can call and encourage. Our mission was accomplished. Mom is settled in, with everything she needs (operative word here is “needs” – not too many “wants” needed in her world these days). We’re so grateful that she is growing accustomed to her new surroundings.

Friday night, after Karen and I had put in a full day of getting Mom’s last things to her home and decorating her room with Christmas décor, I left to go to Mom’s home (just a few miles from Karen’s) where I stay when I’m in Tulsa. It was pitch dark outside in the country where they live. The drive to Mom’s home must be driven with caution because of the denseness of the dark. I turned the corner from their steep hill to the road to Mom’s when all of a sudden, these brighter-than-day lights came up behind me. I wasn’t sure if they were from an emergency vehicle trying to get by me, so I slowed down to let it go by, but, it stayed right on my tail. The next thought was of the time several months ago when, in the daytime, an unmarked vehicle with flashing lights pulled me over. A plain clothes guy came to my door and asked for my driver’s license. I asked for his credentials and as I was picking up my phone to call for back-up, He said “No problem, M’am. Just slow down.” Later, I heard that there were predators in the area who were pulling women driving alone over and “taking advantage of them”.

So, I was extremely concerned as I slowed down and pulled over. On the offense with my phone in hand and acting like I was talking to someone, I told the Tulsa County Police Officer why I didn’t stop for him sooner. He asked for my license and insurance. I asked “Why was I stopped?” He said, “You didn’t come to a complete stop at that stop sign at 33rd and 91st. I’ll be right back with you in a moment”. After several minutes, the officer came back and told me he was just giving me a warning, but “Don’t be like those California drivers who see a STOP sign and roll right on through it. STOP means STOP!” I apologized and thanked him for his service and I recommended that he STOP stopping women driving alone on a dark road like that for a “rolling STOP”. He apologized and said, “Ma’m we’re just trying to keep you and others safe.” As I was on my way, I realized I should have kept driving to the nearby mall where it’s lit up and I could actually see the marked car he was driving. Hindsight is 20/20.

Driving home to Frisco yesterday, I “pondered” about that encounter, and hearing the officer’s words “STOP – means STOP”. I also thought about today being the second Sunday of Advent when we are STOPPING, if only for a few minutes during this busiest time of the year, to think and be thankful for the ONE we are celebrating. Anything that causes us to STOP and think and be thankful is a good addition to Advent, since that’s what Advent is, of course: a time to stop and wait when the world is telling us to go faster and faster!

I was certainly more attentive to STOPPING at every STOP sign that I encountered yesterday after my “run in with the law”. I am also being more attentive to STOPPING and paying close attention to this Advent Season of preparation for the coming of our Lord…in two weeks when we celebrate His coming as a baby AND His coming back to take us home to live with him throughout all eternity. “Be still and know that I AM God.” Psalm 46:10. STOP and know the baby in the manger is the Great “I AM”!