The Devil Made Me Do It

Day 257 of Photo Insprirations -- The Devil Made Me Do It
Who remembers Flip Wilson?  He kept us in stitches with his television character “Geraldine Jones,” the sassy woman who would impulsively buy a dress—or do anything she shouldn’t—and her excuse was the line she made famous, “The Devil made me do it!”

I'd like to be blaming what I did yesterday on the Devil.....but I can't.  I blame myself for my failure to DO THE RIGHT THING.   And to think that my FB post yesterday was "Character is Doing the Right Thing!"

Rushing to a "new" doctor's appointment. I was using my cell phone as my GPS system, and doing my best to be on time.  I kept trying to get around this motorcyclist who seemed to be in his own little world, driving WAY TOO SLOW for this woman who had places to go and people to see.  I went around him, and that's when my sweet story turned into drama -- or at least it could have been drama if I had let it.  Within seconds of passing this unmarked motorcycle, I could see the flashing lights in my rear view mirror.

The trooper came to my window, and said, "You were speeding.  Could I have your license and insurance verification?"  I told him I was hurrying to a doctor's appointment and handed it to him. While he was doing his paperwork, I had an "aha" moment.  I knew God was prompting me to use this experience as yet another way of encouraging you, my FB family, AND ME to "Do the Right Thing".  I knew I wanted this to be my "photo inspiration" for today.  When Trooper Chris Simpson returned to me (15 minutes later), the conversation went like this:

Donna:  Could I take a photo of you?

Simpson:  I'd rather you didn't.

Donna:  Then, can I take a photo of your hands and that paper?

Simpson:  Oh, you don't want a photo of this.  I'm giving you a ticket for speeding (doing 74 in a 60 mph zone).  And, by the way, if this had been after November 1st, you would be getting an additional $100 citation plus court costs for holding your cell phone while you're driving.  I am one of 6 troopers who are going to be monitoring cars closely for drivers using their cell phones to tweet, text, talk or have it in their hands at all.

Donna:  (While taking a photo of his hands and my citation, I said) Oh, yes, I do want to take a photo. I'll be using it in my FB post and blog tomorrow to help others learn from my mistakes. I was holding my phone because I was using it as my GPS to help me find the doctor's office, but thank you for telling me that.  I knew better than to have been holding it.    I want you to know how much I appreciate your service.  Thank you for keeping us safe.  Thank you for stopping me.  I was speeding. I deserve the ticket.   Would you believe that my post for today was on "Character is Doing the Right Thing"?  Here I am desiring to live a life of character and today I blew it.

Simpson:  (Looking stunned and shaking his head, and then smiling)  WOW!  I don't meet people like you very often.  My wife and I have 7 children from ages 3 to 23 and you know, we are most determined to win the battle for integrity and character in our kids.

Donna:  I was thinking when I saw you 'That motorcyclist is having a leisurely ride today, but why in the world is he in the fast lane?'  So that's when I sped around you to the off ramp.  Of course I had no idea that you were an officer. (Trooper Simpson was smiling bigger now.)   J.C. Watts said, "Character is doing the right thing when nobody's looking.  There are too many people who think that the only thing that's right is to get by, and the only thing that's wrong is to get caught”. Well, you caught me, and I'm so glad you did.  Thank you again for doing such a great job in serving us and in raising kids with integrity and character!

After patting Trooper Simpson's arm in my "touchy-feely, I love you" way, we parted ways and though I was late to my appointment, it was okay. I believe this incident was a "divine appointment" where God was so merciful to me as to discipline me (to the tune of $227 -- YIKES!) instead of having caused an accident or even someone's life.  I did a little more research about Trooper Simpson, who he didn't want me to take his photo, but being the social media queen that I am, I found several places where others sent in thanks for the tickets they received, too.  He also teaches motorcycle safety.

And as an FYI, Oklahoma does have a new texting & driving law that was signed into law by Governor Mary Fallin on May 5th. The law goes into full effect November 1st, with $100 fines for distracted drivers.  But here's why I appreciate Trooper Simpson even more, and why he is so passionate about keeping us safe.  From firsthand experience, he knows the pain of losing a close friend because of a distracted driver.  That texting & driving measure -- House Bill 1965 has been tagged “The Trooper Nicholas Dees and Trooper Keith Burch Act of 2015.” Dees was killed in late January in a roadway incident officials linked to a distracted driver; Burch was seriously injured.

The value of character took on a whole new meaning for me today.  J.C. Watts said, "Character is doing the right thing when nobody's looking", but I was glad that Trooper Simpson WAS looking and I am here today to tell the story!    God bless those who serve us in our cities, states and country! Thank you, Trooper Chris Simpson, Badge #758 for SERVING me!
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