The Cop Who Saved Christmas

And now for a Christmas story:

It was the first of December, the time of year filled with thoughts of hope and peace and togetherness. It was the time of year when families would reach deep into their bank accounts to find ways to make each other temporarily happy.  Yes, dear readers, it was gift giving season.

Thus were the thoughts of this particular Hawaii couple as they got ready to go to work for the day. They piled into the car, fastened their seatbelts, and backed out of the driveway. Now, this particular apartment complex is tricky. If the couple used the back gate, they could not legally turn left into traffic. But if they used the front gate, they would have to spend an extra 2 minutes on the road. Being the practical, timely couple they are, they decided to use the back gate. The decision meant an inevitable left turn, despite the posted signs and difficulties in the early morning bustle.

And wouldn’t you know it? As soon as that couple veered left into the lane, the wife spotted a police car in the oncoming traffic. She probably wouldn’t have noticed except he was picking his nose. It’s hard not to look. But the police officer also spotted her. And the couples’ left turn. He flipped a u-turn, and flashed his lights.

“He’s pulling me over,” said the poor husband as he glided to a stop not to far away. The husband may or may not have said not nice things in his head. It’s difficult to say.

When the police officer came up to the window to say hello, the husband already had his response ready.

“The left turn?”

“Yep. License and registration?” The wife then dug through the glove compartment to find the paperwork, even though she’s only been pulled over a couple times and didn’t really know what she was looking for. But it didn’t matter anyway because the couple didn’t have their current insurance card. The police officer took the incomplete information and went back to his vehicle.

He took a really long time. And the wife wondered what could possibly take that long. She may or may not have said not nice things in her head. It’s difficult to say.

“I’m surprised you didn’t lie,” said the wife sweetly as she waited.

“Excuse me?” said the incredulous husband, who is also a pastor. He doesn’t lie. Most of the time.

“I’m not saying you’re a liar. I’m just saying that most people would say they forgot or they didn’t see the sign or something.” And by most people she meant herself. Because she’s a pastor’s wife. But she lies. Some of the time.

“I just thought it would be better to be honest,” said the husband honestly. But the wife was a little irritated in her head. She speculated on the cost of the ticket. $100? $500? It was difficult to tell. But this did not look good. Because it was the time of peace and hope. And of expensive Christmas gifts. They were a couple of humble means. A pricey ticket at this time of year would help no one. Why didn’t the husband just make up an excuse? But then the police officer came back.

“Ok, what I’m going to do is give you a citation. You didn’t ‘BS’ me and try to get yourself out of it. I appreciate your integrity. All you need to do is sign here and make sure you get your insurance taken care of.”

And the couple realized they would not have to dish out money on their illegal activities. They were given a second chance. And the wife could not believe it. The truth? Had set them free? Plus she was a little embarrassed for telling the husband to lie. And then for getting irritated about it when he didn’t.

The wife had realized the value of telling the truth. And she was sorry.

And that is the story of the cop who saved Christmas by not giving the practical couple a ticket that would deplete their Christmas savings.

End.