To My Surprise

Short sleeve Tee-shirts in December is just not right. This tiny, insignificant thought is what was going through my head as I aimlessly searched the Walmart parking lot for my missing car. Even though I was inside for nearly two hours, I started to grow frustrated at how long it was taking me to find it. Startled, something more important stole my attention.

I could hear them before I could see them. There is nothing that resembles the sirens of multiple police vehicles on a mission. One by one, the Columbus City Police Department’s cars, motorcycles, investigators and SWAT team surrounded the outer perimeter of the same parking lot that I was lost in. With my colorful history, I just knew something was seriously wrong.

I froze in wonder of what exactly was happening. I quickly reevaluated my situation and my need to get to my vehicle and escape whatever danger I could be near, caused my anxiety to soar. The only thing that didn’t make sense was that, “Their windows are down.” The woman beside me quickly pointed to the fact that I was already beginning to notice. But for some reason, it still didn’t satisfy my need for safety and concealment. We had no clue what was happening. Customers everywhere were taking pictures of something they too didn’t understand.  

After the 50th vehicle or so pulled in, the noise died down and their doors began to open. To my surprise, out popped tiny little people of all shapes and sizes. They, were kids! Come to find out, these officers were buying both children and teens presents for the holidays and they wanted to give them the experience of a true police escort. Wow, I horribly misjudged my circumstance. I was actually being privileged with the opportunity to witness one of the sweetest Christmas blessings ever, and I almost missed it by escaping to my car out of fear and concern.

Overhearing what they said, Jesus told him, "Don't be afraid; just believe."

Mark 5:36 (NIV)