SIGNALS!!!

I was driving down the interstate a few nights ago when I re-learned a valuable lesson.Suddenly my review mirror was filled with ..... yeah you guessed it, those red (and now blue) lights. I instantly felt like a teenager again (as I reflect on it a bit not all bad), my heart instantly went into my throat and I wondered what I would tell my Dad. (wait a minute I am Dad, Granddad... oops).I started down the list, no I didn't do that, or that, or that..... what did I do? As I pulled to the shoulder my windows were filled with ... what more lights? When did that start? But there they were two huge spot lights flooding the whole review.... nothing, nothing but lights that's all I could see.Then that voice you know the one, "authority"..... "What year is your truck?" ugh... well I stuttered, "It's a 2007?" I finally managed."What, they did not put turn signals on this model?" the officer responded. Again, I stuttered, maybe mubbled..... (really intelligent). He continued, "Sir, this is a silly way to spend $73.00 tonight"The Officer took my drivers license and insurance and walked back to the light. And there I sat! I had changed lanes without useing my turn signal. Really! I mean seriously! I was spinning! That's it?In few minutes the Office leaned into my window.... "Sir, it is really dangerous out here! If you don't signal when you change lanes it could cause a very serious accident with very serious consequences! If you would please use your signals I am going to send you on down the road, Ok!Did you know that God can use and does use everything in our lives to remind and teach us so much? I have pondered and prayed for that Officer for over a week. I am so grateful for his ministry to me, and to others.As I have meditated on that little experience I have learned  or been reminded of several things.First, until you pay attention you can't learn anything. That officer got my attention and then he reminded, instructed and helped me. Believe me, he had my attention.Second, signals for small changes really matter. I wasn't changing directions, turning left or right. I was still going down the same road, same direction, no major alterations were being made, but slight variations in a moving vehicle can be very critical.Thirdly, it's not always about what you did, but what you did't do. I was racking my brain trying to figure out what I had done. It wasn't about what I had done, but what I hadn't done.Finally, grace is only grace in the presence of the law. I was guilty! I had not used my signal. That Officer had me.... but in lieu of a ticket, he instructed, he encouraged, he provided for my safety and others. (Sir, you may never read this, but thank you!)I suppose I could take the time to use this metaphor and expound on the spiritual life applications of my experience, but I think maybe I will leave that to each one of you.....Drive safe (Live safe)! And remember, SIGNALS MATTER! Even the little ones!