End of watch.

It’s a weird thing to turn on the TV and watch a S.W.A.T. team – guns drawn – track a cop killer at the house just down the street. Only a week ago I was contentedly naïve about the chances of such a thing ever happening here.  But it did, and this morning there’s a flashing sign in our neighborhood:

8/6/14

Road Closed

12-2 p.m.

This sign is really gettting to me. It reminds me of life’s unexpected dead-ends, detours, and road closures. Rarely are any of those things cause for great joy.

I am also moved by the hundreds of police officers, firefighters, and neighbors lining our streets paying respect to fallen Mendota Heights officer Scott Patrick who was brutally and senselessly murdered.

This morning’s “detour” convicts me that I’ve neglected to pray for the people who are in authority over me and who serve me and my city and my state and my country.  I am eager to correct this.

I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.     

1 Timothy 2:1-2 (NIV)

Thank you for your service, Mendota Heights police and fire and all who serve our community.

Thank you for your service, Officer Scott Patrick.