Destination Second Chance

by Macy Johnson

“Give thanks to the Lord, call on His name; 
make known among the nations what He has done.” 
(Psalm 105:1 NIV)

“Oh no!” was all I could mutter at the sight of flashing blue lights in my rear-view mirror.

“Pull over into the next side street!” the sheriff’s speaker blared. Shaking his head, the officer gently inquired, “Mrs. Johnson, where are you going in such a hurry? I clocked you at 42 miles per hour in a 25 zone.”

“I’m sorry, sir. I was looking for the Hampton Inn and didn’t notice the school nearby,” I replied.

“What brings you to the Florida panhandle?” he asked.

“I drove from Birmingham for a choral rehearsal tomorrow,” I explained.

“Unless you have $400 to throw away, you’d better slow down,” the officer advised and returned my license. 

Back on the highway, still lost, I steered into a liquor store’s parking lot and angrily punched the hotel’s phone number into my cell phone. The manager cheerfully explained the Hampton Inn was across the highway from the street where I had been pulled over. The sheriff’s car had blocked my view.

The manager met me at the front door and I apologized for my rude telephone demeanor. “Oh, that was you!” he mused in a Middle Eastern accent with a warm, welcoming smile. 

I created a raucous sight on the hotel’s outside staircase, like a discontented work mule dragging and banging a clothes bag, music bag, ice chest, shirts on hangers, and over-sized purse up the metal stairs.

Belongings tossed on the bed, I paused and recollected how I saw God in the forgiving sheriff and helpful hotel manager. My heavenly Father poured His grace and mercy through them to bless me, even as I silently kicked and screamed.

I will thank Him for His protection and second chances when I need them the most. I hope you will, too!