Thankfulness Day 1--I am thankful for my speeding ticket

I am filled with gratitude for a lot of little things in life. Each day this month, I want to share with you some of the little known things I am thankful for:
And for today, I am thankful for my speeding ticket. Coming home from the doctor a few weeks ago with Maisy, her nurse, and McKenna in the car, I was pulled over by a police officer. Because I drive a van with a wheelchair lift and the conversion of the van was made by a company called "Vision," I was a red flag to the local police. The name of our bus company in Elk River is "Vision Transportation." The police officer was sure I worked for the bus company....and by looking at the occupants...he didn't buy my story that these were my children (i.e. we don't look like a homogenous group.) I was going 52 mph in a 45 mile an hour zone and had no excuse for my actions. We were talking and I wasn't paying close attention.
For a second, I debated about trying to explain all the reasons why he should let me off with a warning. I had a few legitimate ones that I had thought of. But, then decided that I was speeding and no excuse would change that. It bothered me that he didn't believe me that these were not my own children, but I let that go and accepted my ticket.
The last ticket I received was 30 years ago when I first started driving. I was going 52 in a 45 mph zone back then also. I was initially upset and embarassed. I worried about our insurance rates and all of the things that can happen with a ticket on my record.

But, each time since that day, when I get in the car, I remind myself that I am thankful for that ticket. I am slowing down more and paying so much more attention while I drive. Perhaps, the Lord was protecting my family from a potential accident that could have occured because I was driving without paying enough attention to the little details. I have become aware of how I am rushing from place to place....and not slowing down to really be in the moment...and no amount of pushing the speed is going to get me some where any faster...
The ticket reminded me of what a sinner I am. Did I deserve the ticket? You bet! I have deserved tickets countless times for pushing the speed limit or breaking "minor" rules...this reminds me so much of the punishment we deserve for our sin..and how God, has, in His infinite wisdom, wiped away my sin. What an incredible, undeserved gift..now that is something to be thankful for.
But for today am thankful for my speeding ticket.......