April 7, 2014 I spent an hour today in a place I prefer to avoid as much as possible. When I tell you what happened a month ago, youll know exactly what I mean. I was headed to the hospital to visit a man in our congregation who was about to have some pretty serious surgery, consequently not paying as much attention to my driving as I should have. On the outskirts of Sinclairville, it looks like any other country road; scrub and brush on one side, a tree-covered hill on the other. The only thing to set it apart was the speed limit and the cop waiting around the bend. Having too much pride to try to wiggle out of it with tears, I took my ticket like a man. Didnt even cuss under my breath. So this afternoon, I was in Gerry town court. At my last appearance, the judge asked me how I wanted to plea. I was guilty; that much I knew. When the cop asked me if I knew why he had stopped me, I knew. When he asked if I had anything to say, I told him I was on my way to the hospital and wasnt paying attention. He only wrote the latter half of my statement on the ticket. All I wanted was to explain the full situation before the judge. At my first appearance, the judge technically didnt ask me how I wanted to plea. He said, You want to plea innocent, dont you? He was giving me a chance. I appreciate that. Ive needed many second chances in my life, and I wasnt about to miss this one. Town court is an interesting place. You sit with a couple dozen other alleged lawbreakers, waiting your turn to sit before the judge and enter your plea. Many were like mine, traffic violations, but there were a few misdemeanors sprinkled in for variety. What impressed me was the judges demeanor. He told everyone that they were presumed innocent till proven guilty, and that if they chose trial, which was their prerogative, he would listen to the officer without prejudice. It is their job to convince me you are guilty beyond reasonable doubt. Just before my appearance, a young woman with a baby in a carrier and a toddler in tow, sat before him. She pled guilty to the charge, and he levied a fine of $125. She said, I only have $100 with me, to which he replied, Are you asking me to reduce the fine? She replied in the affirmative, and he did so, on the spot. When it was my turn, he offered to reduce the charge to a parking ticket. No points on my license, $75 fine with $25 surcharge to the state, the only part of the whole process to which I object. I was impressed with the judge, coming away with a renewed appreciation for our judicial system. We all at times wonder what judges are thinking of with the sentences or lack thereof that are sometimes handed down. Today, I sat on the other side, thankful for grace that is built into our system, grace I received today at the hands of a judge who understood his job not merely as administering justice, but doing so with kindness and mercy. It was to me, a preview of the Judge of all living, who will someday do his job with even greater kindness and mercy. How do I know? The sentence was already carried out at the Cross, and I have an advocate, a lawyer; Jesus Christ, who stands by me, more than able to answer any charge laid against me.
Posted on: Tue, 08 Apr 2014 02:51:23 +0000
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