This post was written by Amy Blevins of Homeschool Encouragement
It was 10:25 on Sunday morning and we were driving to church. Since we had plenty of time, I decided to drive through McDonald’s on the way and pick up a soda for some much needed morning caffeine. For some strange reason, I decided to take a different route to McDonald’s that morning. I wish I had not.
As I pulled out into the intersection, I noticed a pedestrian crossing the street ahead of me. I waited patiently as she slowly made her way across. Patiently that is, until I noticed a truck pull onto my street and barrel towards my children and I. Here we were, half-cocked in the lane and this truck was rushing towards us.
I had to make a choice. Pull forward and stop just outside the crosswalk therefore moving my children out of harm’s way or stay where I was and take a chance that the truck would see us and not hit us. I chose the first option. I came within about three feet of where the pedestrian was crossing the street, and I am sure I scared her half to death.
Even as I finally finished my turn and continued on the path to McDonald’s, I started explaining to my children why that was a bad situation to be in and how I had to make a decision between a rock and a hard place.
What I didn’t know was that a few blocks away a policeman was watching. He was pretty quick to inform me that I made the wrong decision! Apparently, if a pedestrian is crossing the street and you are trying to turn left onto that street you are not allowed to even pull into the intersection, let alone come within three feet of the pedestrian.
At first, I was pretty upset. I mean, I kept my calm and everything. I didn’t argue with the policeman, and I didn’t talk back. But I was not happy. It was very clear from his description of what happened that he did not have a clear view of the event. My son saw the whole thing from the front seat, and was bewildered that I didn’t speak up for myself. While the man was writing up my ticket, I pointed out that we always need to respect those in authority because they have a big job to do and it wasn’t going to do me any good to argue.
On the inside though, I was just plain mad.
In general, I am a very careful driver — or so I thought. I drive the speed limit more often than not. I come to a complete stop at stop signs. I stop and wait for pedestrians to cross in front of me at the grocery store even when they try to wave me on. And I really was trying to do the right thing for my family and the pedestrian. It just wasn’t fair!
After an afternoon with this attitude, I realized that God was speaking to my heart. You see–I really was breaking the law. I was supposed to look for a pedestrian who might be crossing the street, and stay behind the light until she finished crossing. Furthermore, I was breaking the unwritten law of courtesy. Honestly, had I been the one crossing the street I would have been scared, and then furious. It was impossible for her to tell that I knew she was there and fully intended to stop before I got to her. All she knew was that a big red suburban was barreling her way! Looking back, I cannot even imagine what she must have felt.
The fact of the matter is that I did need to be more aware of my surroundings as I drove. Within 24 hours of the moment I got pulled over, I was driving more carefully and paying more attention to what was going on around me on the street. On Monday afternoon, as I drove down the same street, I was being so careful to look around that I actually saw when an old man stepped out in front of me without looking. I was able to stop. At that moment, I was so thankful for that police officer!
Now I knew for sure that I had a lesson to learn and keep learning.
Do you know what my sweet children remembered though? They remembered that I was angry about getting a ticket. They didn’t hear my internal conversations with God on the subject. They didn’t notice that I was driving more carefully. They didn’t read my thoughts about needing to learn.
And imprinted in their minds was a picture of Mom getting pulled over and then fussing all the way to church once it was over.
It wasn’t the first time I’ve had to eat some serious crow. I had to go to my children and humbly talk to them about how God was teaching me to be a better driver. In fact, as I mulled over the situation and how to talk to my kids about what I was learning, I realized that some of my children exhibit the same exact behavior when I try to teach them a character trait or value, or a new subject.
They do not always have teachable spirits. I used to wonder where they got that attitude.
I could have kept all this to myself, but I want my children to know that I keep my heart softened towards God and allow His Word and the conviction of the Holy Spirit to teach me. I want them to know that I am teachable. I want to model a teachable spirit.
What is God teaching you?
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Sometimes we just need to pray and learn from our mistakes.
Praise God no one was hurt.
This came at the perfect time—the Lords lesson for me was found in your words ” I realized that some of my children exhibit the exact behavior…..” I had my own little issue this morning, but in the form of a mom tantrum. School was going awful, I was tired, kids were needing a break,etc…instead of listening to the Holy Spirit and give them some slack, I yelled. With tears in their eyes, 1 of them yelled back. I to ate crow, for in that moment I saw me mirrored in my sons eyes. I had to calm my head and heart and go apologize for my outburst. I had to be reminded of scripture and we spent some time discussing following rules of our school, having a calm heart and what “grace” means!
Great reminder of where my heart/mind should be! Thanks for sharing your experience and lesson!
Great article, Amy! Much food for thought!
It seems like God is always teaching me the very same lessons that I am working with the kids on. Everyone gets an opportunity to learn and yes, it is seriously humbling sometimes.
excellent article, friend.
Sharing the lessons that God is showing us have been some of the best lessons ever. Great perspective!
Clapping Wildly
Teri, I love it when God causes our paths to cross a book, article or blog post at just the right moment! Thank you for sharing the lesson you are learning.
Thank-you for sharing this story. I, too, see my outward behavior reflected by my children and realize that although I’m working on it with God, they can’t SEE that I am, and I also need to explain that to them!
I had a similar experience recently. Coming home from a homeschool group field trip I found myself driving through a construction zone. Sure enough, because it had been raining I didn’t see anyone actually out working. Either way, I dropped to the 55mph speed limit–just in case. Then behind me came a large truck that was speeding and about to go up my tail pipe. Here I was, with my 6 year old, 3 year old, and 18 month old in the back seat, and my big pregnant belly all crammed in the car. I picked up speed a little bit, but he continued to ride my tail. All I could think was “If I hit my breaks, it’s over. He’s in the back of my car! It’s going to be his fault, but it will be my sweet babies that are hurt!” I picked up speed again. By the time all was said and done I was back up to 70 (the normal posted speed) and was in the middle of a pack of cars. A police officer picked lucky ‘ol me out of the pack of cars and I am the one that got pulled over and a ticket. I tried to politely explain why I was doing the speed I was and also stated I didn’t see workers present. Sure enough, about 5 more mils up the road there were workers out and because they were in the “work zone” I was not only guilty of speeding over the 55mph limit, but doing so while they were on the job. I got a ticket, no ability to take defensive driving, and the fine was double because of my speed. I was mad!! Here I tried to protect my children but I got stuck with the ticket?! How fair is that?! But I made sure to stay calm and tell my kids that while I didn’t agree with the police officer that he was doing his job to protect us. Just like they don’t always like the judgement I give them in every occasion, they have to respect and obey. It was an expensive lesson for all of us, cost almost $400 I could have really kept in my pocket, but at least we were able to turn it in to a teachable moment.
I should say, my fine was doubled because of the workers present that I couldn’t even see or know were on the site.
Great lesson. Thanks for sharing. This is something we all need to hear over and over again. God can use so many things to teach us moms if we just remain open to the Holy Spirit’s teaching.
Beautiful, Amy.
Insightful. Encouraging. True.
You provide a warning and a godly example. Thanks for yielding to His Spirit and being vulnerable with us.