I LOVE WORDS
My heart sank when I saw him. Busted again… I couldn’t decide in a moment which one was worse. I knew I was breaking the law again… I just didn’t give a cent. I should have learned my lesson by then… an old familiar story. It was a year or so before that time, at the ripe old age of fourteen, I’d been stone cold busted. I’d have gotten away with it, but luck, destiny, or more likely the hand of God placed the cop in the wrong place at the wrong time.
I was somewhat responsible for a fourteen year old kid in that I did have a job, but irresponsible for a fourteen year old kid in that I didn’t have much in the way of willpower when it came to testing physical limits. An ugly trait that still chases me like my shadow.
If memory serves me correctly, the speed limit was 35 miles per hour on the winding and rolling old state route 95 a few miles north of town. The old navy blue 62′ Mercury Comet that belonged to my big brother strained to stay in my lane of the narrow two-way highway as I peaked the hill that also cut hard to the right. I was making record time.
The cop spotted me arm wrestling the big ole’ black steering wheel, fighting to keep from hitting him head on. I knew in that moment he was coming for me… I also knew he had a big V-8 engine that Detroit made special for law enforcement agencies to catch bad guys… and dumb kids.
I also knew the old Comet was a sled. It had a straight six that was well past its prime, but none of those facts had any impact on my natural instinct. Floor it! I pushed the old Mercury as hard as I could, after about a half a mile I used my reasoning power to outsmart my pursuer.
I screeched around the first available corner and headed east up into the outskirts of town. The pavement ending didn’t slow me down at all, but the eventual eight-foot sheer cliff where they were cutting the new highway in did. I skidded to a stop sending the dry desert smoke screen skyward like an emergency flare.
I sat there for a few minutes beginning to believe I was all that and a bag of chips.. until the highway patrolman rolled up slowly behind me with his lights on.
There I was again, still not sixteen, with the familiar sinking feeling settling in my stomach. I made the corner at close to twenty miles an hour in my brother’s Triumph Spitfire that only my two brothers and I could drive due to the sloppy transmission linkage.
There wasn’t anyone home when I left, I’d only been gone a short time, but there he was as I tried to slow down nonchalantly while pulling up to our house at the end of the cul-de-sac. My dad’s eyes were on fire. He filled my ears for longer than I wanted, but the words didn’t make it to my heart.
I love words… but they don’t always have an immediate impact. Some hearts can only be penetrated by the ricochet of wisdom from the echoes that dance across time. It doesn’t matter how far we go or how fast we get there… words laced with wisdom will always catch up with us.
Just like the cop that impounded my brother’s car, wrote out three tickets, and refused to give me a ride… about a year before I did it again… with my dad watching…
Rick Dawson
Tuesday, July 2, 2013 @ 11:47 pm
ROTFLMFBO! Hard-headed, stubborn, invincible – yeah. We did think we were all that. Funny how we learn some things, isn’t it? And yet, you’ve applied the lessons learned and now teach. Good tale, Floyd. Now, don’t forget the Paul Harvey bit and give us “the REST of the story.” 🙂
Floyd
Wednesday, July 3, 2013 @ 7:02 am
Too funny, Rick! Yeah, there is always a little more to the story, but in general time and wisdom catch up to us and the words sink deep into the heart. Why am I not surprised that you can relate to this so easily??? Thanks, Rick.
bill (cycleguy)
Wednesday, July 3, 2013 @ 2:39 am
Sure glad I didn’t do anything like that. 🙂 honestly, i didn’t. It was a break that my dad let me drive before I was 18. If I had done this, I would probably have never seen the driver’s side of the car until I was out of the house and married. 🙂 Thanks for the humor this morning Floyd, although I’m sure you didn’t think it was very funny at the time.
Floyd
Wednesday, July 3, 2013 @ 7:04 am
No, it wasn’t funny at the time. I was in such a hurry to take on the world, not hearing and seeing the way God wants us to take on the world. That lassoing the wind can plum tucker a feller out! Glad I could make you smile, Bill. Thanks.
Loren Pinilis
Wednesday, July 3, 2013 @ 5:53 am
Reading this reminded me of my own run-ins with an irate father and a few stupid decisions. It’s shame-worthy and kinda funny in a way to think of now.
Floyd
Wednesday, July 3, 2013 @ 7:06 am
It most certainly is, Loren, but in hindsight it sure drives home the need for wisdom and self control… (still working on it!) Thanks, Loren, it’s nice to have company on Hard Head Lane!
Dan Erickson
Wednesday, July 3, 2013 @ 6:49 am
I love the “words of wisdom will catch up to you” idea here. I often asked why we can’t learn from others’ mistakes and from others’ advice? I can’t answer that question, but at some point most of us finally get it.
Floyd
Wednesday, July 3, 2013 @ 7:07 am
Thanks, Dan. That was really the whole thrust of the story; to remind us that slowing down will allow the words and thoughts of wisdom to overtake us. And I’m with you, life would be so much easier if we listened a little better!
Betty Draper
Wednesday, July 3, 2013 @ 7:12 am
Age old questions from parents, “will they never learn”. Your story reminds me of my husband before wisdom…loved speed mixed with a few Bud’s…was not a good mix at any age. Great quote brother, words laced with wisdom will always catch up with us.
Then it’s our turn to use those time honored words concerning our kids. Waiting is the next ingredient to wisdom, hardest part on a parent. But there does come a day most of the time when you hear them tell the stories of what ever event that changed their life. Thanks for sharing your words.
Floyd
Wednesday, July 3, 2013 @ 9:43 am
I’ll bet Ace was a handful! Waiting is difficult. I’ve come to believe that God uses those times to keep us drawing nigh unto Him for the needs and desires of our loved ones – not a bad place to be. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and insights, Betty. I cherish them.
Jay Cookingham
Wednesday, July 3, 2013 @ 7:19 am
Your post (besides making me laugh) made me think of this Scripture:
Whoever keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps himself out of trouble. Proverbs 21:23
I had such a big mouth (for a skinny runt) in high school, that I often found myself in very difficult situations and up against a few lockers with a fist pointed at my head!
There is a better use for words… they should bring life. Thanks Floyd!
Floyd
Wednesday, July 3, 2013 @ 9:46 am
The youngest always learn how to use their tongues as weapons don’t we? It can sure get us into some sticky places huh? I’ve been punched more than once for that very thing! It’s been painful, but it’s been a pleasure sharing the laughter of wisdom over time here in this pod we two share! Thanks, Jay. And thanks for the chuckle on this end as well.
Lincoln Parks
Wednesday, July 3, 2013 @ 9:34 am
Floyd this is a reminder for us all with children that they may at some point not listen to our words. Not listen to the words of God, and not listen to anything anyone in authority tells them. You just described me to a tee. I pray that my words are heard by my daughter as she gets older but all I can do is instill in her what I may have lacked at that point. Thanks for such a great reminder to pour into them daily. I too took our Honda Accord at 14 for a spin around the block with my 9 year old brother with me. I was not caught, but in my heart I was..
Floyd
Wednesday, July 3, 2013 @ 9:51 am
Why am I not surprised?!!! God makes the strong willed hearts of people with a specific purpose in mind. Our free will tends to get tested and abused thinking too much of ourselves, but God’s perfect redemption uses those hard heads to speak His truth into the lives of others and the far reaching benefits and blessings will sail beyond our lifetimes. Great point about pouring into our loved ones daily and thanks for sharing that story. I’d wait to tell your daughter if I were you. I still haven’t told mine and the two oldest are out of college. I don’t want the little one to be influenced by that type of story as well. Thanks for adding some solid wisdom, Lincoln.
Lincoln Parks
Wednesday, July 3, 2013 @ 9:59 am
Thanks Floyd, I will definitely take heed to your advice about my daughter. Sounds like its working for you so I will follow suite.
Floyd
Thursday, July 4, 2013 @ 6:53 am
Yeah, better safe than sorry! The world is filled with enough bad examples! Thanks, Lincoln – from one pea in the pod to another…
David
Wednesday, July 3, 2013 @ 10:07 am
I was cheating time by keeping the pedal WAY too close to the metal. Making great time on my way to a college exam that morning. I was almost there, the exit was just a couple of minutes away and then, in the rearview mirror, I saw the flashing lights several car lengths back. Auto-reflex foot off the accelerator in the false hope that the lights weren’t for me. – WRONG!
“I’m late for a test, Sir” I said absent-mindedly as I rolled down my window.
“Well … You’re gonna be later” was his wise reply as he waited for me to get my license out of my wallet with shaking hands …..
Why were those words WISE you ask? Because I can’t count the number of times I’ve repeated that phrase to myself to repel the magnetic force that draws the gas pedal towards the floor board whenever I’m running behind ……
OK Floyd, I have to ask. Did you pick that picture of the police officer because his sun-glasses match the set you’re wearing in your photo?
Floyd
Thursday, July 4, 2013 @ 6:55 am
Great story, David! We really do struggle with the same weaknesses don’t we? I still fight to not pass everything on the road while driving… it’s crazy… And I didn’t even think about the shades! Maybe it was a subconscious thing! Good one, thanks, David.
Jason Stasyszen
Wednesday, July 3, 2013 @ 11:09 am
You were a bold one, Floyd! Look at the grace of God that preserved you until those words of wisdom sank in. Incredible how much He loves us. There were few heart-to-hearts I had with my dad before he died when I was 17, but the ones we had I remember. I thought it was silly at the time, but they really did impact me. That’s why even when my kids don’t want to listen, I’m still going to talk and know that it’ll rattle around in there and hopefully land. Thanks Floyd.
Floyd
Thursday, July 4, 2013 @ 6:58 am
Very wise and insightful, Jason. I know you’re right, that’s the point; at some point the words of wisdom shared in love will sink in. Your children are blessed and through your difficulties God is using the wisdom gained to impact not only their lives, but all the people you shepherd. Thanks for sharing, Jason.
Hutch
Wednesday, July 3, 2013 @ 3:03 pm
I love how you write… always with a point at the end. I have heard words of wisdom before, some penetrated my brain (sould, heart) sooner or later, some I think are still waiting for one more experience to penetrate.
Floyd
Thursday, July 4, 2013 @ 7:00 am
I think we all have more experiences to live through to gain more of what God uses in redemption to impact our world. Great point, Hutch. Thanks, some points are a little sharper than others! The ones we can all relate to seem to go a little bit deeper!
Mia
Wednesday, July 3, 2013 @ 3:10 pm
Dear Floyd
Oh, I wonder what your brother thought of you having his car impounded!! Yes, boys do funny things. My youngest told me just the other day how my two and a friend used to silently push my car out of the garage at night when they were still in school and then go out to wherever boys of their age go out too! Boys will be boys, I suppose. Yes, wisdom has a way of catching up on us, some way or the other.
Blessings XX
Mia
Floyd
Thursday, July 4, 2013 @ 7:03 am
Oh yeah… It was as much the thrill of doing as it was the going anywhere in particular. It’s a tough time between childhood and adulthood for all people, we just go about it in different ways. Glad the wisdom is catching up to your sons sooner than later… I suspect their mother has more than a little bit to do with that! Thanks, Mia.
Ngina Otiende
Wednesday, July 3, 2013 @ 5:36 pm
wow, Floyd that played out like a scene right out of a movie! 🙂 Takes a while for some of these lessons to begin to sink in. And it’s always wonderful for everyone else when they finally do..bless your Dad’s heart :)Great story-telling and lessons, as always.
Floyd
Thursday, July 4, 2013 @ 7:05 am
Thanks, Ngina. My dad had many of the same character traits as yours. Those lessons from people that care never go out without making an impact… it just takes longer for the lessons to be grasped by some of us. It is a wonderful thing when the light bulb comes on.
hazel i moon
Wednesday, July 3, 2013 @ 5:57 pm
“With Dad watching!” WOW yet we are learn the hard way at times. Our heavenly Dad is watching too.
Floyd
Thursday, July 4, 2013 @ 7:07 am
Of course! Great point, Hazel! As we grow we begin to grasp that our relationship is really with our Father. I know that this story you can relate to! Excellent perspective, Hazel. I didn’t even think of it. Thanks for the perspective and wisdom.
Lisa notes
Wednesday, July 3, 2013 @ 6:19 pm
Your story made me smile. I’m guessing it wasn’t so funny at the time though? ha.
Also funny: as I was driving into town today behind a young black man gunning his engine on his souped-up car, I was thinking if I were ever a young black man instead of a middle-aged white woman, I’d want to do that exact thing myself. It just looked and sounded like fun. 🙂 But I digress. May I learn from your lessons instead.
Floyd
Thursday, July 4, 2013 @ 7:11 am
Those times in life are the ones that stick with a person… No, facing the cop was bad, facing my dad was worse! You think I’d have learned! I still find it difficult to keep my foot out of the floor board regardless of what I’m driving… Some weaknesses stay with us… Hope you learn that lesson, Lisa! You don’t want this monkey on your back! … or foot… hehehe… Thanks, Lisa.
Barb Raveling
Wednesday, July 3, 2013 @ 6:54 pm
Well, that was funny to read about it, but I’m guessing your dad didn’t think it was very funny! 🙂 I speeded when I was in college in Montana – doing 87 in a 65 mph zone. The penalty was a five dollar ticket and it didn’t go on my record. It was worth the five bucks to go sit in the police car!
Floyd
Thursday, July 4, 2013 @ 7:16 am
Montana sounds like my kind of state! Five bucks? I’ll have to keep that in mind the next time I’m driving through Montana! No… my dad didn’t think any of it was amusing. A couple years later my first car that I’d bought myself my dad made me sell for doing other stupid things… He probably saved my life. Wisdom has to be gained the hard way sometimes… but my guess is that you’ve already figured that out, huh lead foot? Thanks, Barb!
Barb Raveling
Thursday, July 4, 2013 @ 3:05 pm
Haha, well, it used to be your kind of state. Not any more! The 5 buck tickets were back in the early 80s. Then we had no speed limit for awhile – but now it’s like a regular state. Too bad!
Floyd
Thursday, July 4, 2013 @ 3:46 pm
Awe, you really know how to crush a guy… I remember when Nevada didn’t used to have a speed limit either. Not that either you are I pay any attention to speed limits anyways!!!
Voni
Wednesday, July 3, 2013 @ 11:55 pm
Very funny story, Floyd. Bet your Dad—and our heavenly Father–wish we would quit taking the hard road to learning.
Floyd
Thursday, July 4, 2013 @ 7:18 am
Oh man… Great point, Voni… You have to add me to that list! I get weary of having to relearn the same old lessons that I know the answers to. Thanks for that voice of wisdom. That really hits close to home! Thanks, Voni.
Philip
Thursday, July 4, 2013 @ 7:42 am
Floyd, I have some how skirted getting a speeding ticket. (knock on wood) That’s not to say I haven’t broken the law. Love this analogy. No matter how hard we try to run, we will be run down. Thankfully grace is in hot pursuit.
Floyd
Thursday, July 4, 2013 @ 9:23 am
I like the way you put that, Phillip, “We will be run down.” We can run, but not fast or far enough! When we finally do slow down instead of justice, we get grace… Very well said, Phillip. Right on the money. Thanks, man.
Bernard
Thursday, July 4, 2013 @ 8:52 am
Floyd, great story. We all have done some stupid stuff, not just as children, but as grown adults. It’s funny how we think we can get away with things. Be not deceived God is not mocked whatsoever a man sows that he shall also reap. My mom always say, ‘a hard head makes for a soft tail’.
Floyd
Thursday, July 4, 2013 @ 9:28 am
Wow… You nailed that with a sledge hammer. That is the perfect verse to summarize this subject. We all struggle with dumb things in this fallen world, but being mindful of it and seeking the heart of our Father allows less momentary lapses of reasoning.
That is a great quote from your mom! I’ll have to use that one and give your mom props! She raised a wise man. Thanks for sharing your gift here, Bernard… God is good!
Jennifer Dougan
Friday, July 5, 2013 @ 11:10 am
Oh, that’s a horrid feeling, isn’t it?
Jennifer Dougan
http://www.jenniferdougan.com
Floyd
Friday, July 5, 2013 @ 12:19 pm
It is the sinking of reality in the stomach is full of emotion in a single instant… amazing really. Good call, Jennifer.
jdukeslee
Friday, July 5, 2013 @ 8:35 pm
Oh you, Floyd … always weaving a tale with a great lesson for our spiritual lives.
I remember our old Comet. And don’t tell Mom I’m telling you this, but she got pulled over by the town cop in that car for doing donuts at the end of Main Street.
Floyd
Saturday, July 6, 2013 @ 7:31 am
I love it!!! Your mom sounds like my mom! My mom used to love to power slide around corners on dirt roads! If my age and wisdom serve me well, I’m guessing “the apple didn’t fall too far from the tree!!!” Mmmm-hmmm, you’re a lead footed farm girl… We might have more in common than you’re comfortable with! Thanks for sharing that, Jennifer. Too funny! Always a lesson to be had.
jdukeslee
Saturday, July 6, 2013 @ 7:33 am
LOL! 🙂
Floyd
Saturday, July 6, 2013 @ 7:48 am
“The defense rests, your honor…” !
Dan Black
Friday, July 5, 2013 @ 9:27 pm
For people like us sometimes lessons have to be repeated(multiple times) to really learn them. I have some wild stories of my teens years however I never was caught by the police, it took me a while to move from my foolishness away from what could have been life threatening. Great thoughts today!
Floyd
Saturday, July 6, 2013 @ 7:45 am
That foolishness is like a fast hound dog, isn’t it? Sometimes we just have to quit trying to outrun it and stop and face the beast… I’m not surprised by your story, Dan. It is that same intensity that you now use to focus on God, your family, and your goals. Thanks, Dan.
Nancy
Monday, July 8, 2013 @ 12:46 pm
Funny, I was just meditation this morning about words. The bible is so plain when it tells us that we are either justified or condemned by our words. Another one that has been coming back is is Ps 19…”Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Thy sight, Oh God, my strength and my Redeemer!” Since foolishness is bound in the heart of a child, the Rod of Correction will drive it far from him. I am so happy to have that rod ( The Word) that never leaves me without council. It penetrates my heart and echoes continually over time and through space to keep me on track. My husband Randy, built a wonderful car which he used to street race.. . He’s related some stories where he did some really daring driving and nearly went off into a canyon in S. Cal around Mulholland Dr. Glad his better sense overruled his nonsense. Thanks for a fun story!
Floyd
Monday, July 8, 2013 @ 1:58 pm
Thanks for your wise and warm words, Nancy. It’s great how they can comfort the soul when they honor our Father. Randy sounds like a man after my own heart! Blessed to tell the tale… Thanks, sister. Glad you had fun!