Curfew

I have traveled to various parts of the world. I have spent time in the Middle East, Europe, the Ukraine and Mexico, and I have always thought that I would experience a dusk-to-dawn curfew in one of those places. To experience this in my own country, my own backyard, if you will, was a first and a surprise. As I drove around the other night, frantic to get back home before "curfew" kick in, I noticed quite a few people out and about. I made some mental notes that I would like to share with you.

All store employees seem to LOVE curfew. I was in one unnamed store around "that" time and was told on more than one occasion... "we are closing for curfew in 30 minutes." I have never had more conversations with happier store employees... ever.

As I stopped at stop lights, some working, some not, I took in the facial expressions of those next to me. Those older drivers seem intent on getting through the light with grim determination in order to return home before "martial law" kick in for the night. Those my age seemed intent on moving towards home in order to submit to the authorities, and then, there were those younger drivers. They seemed like they had no desire to go home for the evening, but there was nothing else to do because everything is closed anyway so... might as well go home.

A curfew is certainly not law in this case , but in some ways, we need something like a curfew to force us to do things we ought to do. I spent more time in my neighborhood with my neighbors than I usually would have. I offered more people help and was willing to part with more of my stuff. I was more willing to let other people help me. I was more cautious. I was less likely to be in a hurry. I was more willing to stop and look at the blue sky. I am more content than I have been in a while. And, all of this because I was forced to be home because of a curfew.

I wonder why it takes something like a curfew instituted in response to a tragic event to get us to slow down, enjoy life and each other. Why can't we do this on our own? The question speaks to the nature of our heart, and to the reason we need a Savior. Blessings!