Two weeks before Christmas I received a notice to appear for Jury Duty at the Superior Court building in Santa Ana. They must have really wanted me because my Mother told me I had received three notices before I arrived back from Madagascar.
I know so many people that get summoned every year for Jury service and yet out of all my eligible years I have only ever had to report once before. What incredible timing!
To begin the 20+ questions to each of us as possible jurors was both grueling and filled with plenty of thought. I had to recall any conversation or relationship with anyone involved in Law Enforcement or any involvement in gangs and give as detailed of an account as I could to the lawyers and Judge. Funny but you get to know details about people in a very quick amount of time. Everyone has to sit and listen to the questions and to the answers. In essence you have a very attentive audience. After all of that the Judge would look each one of us in the face and say “knowing all of that information do you think that you can make a fair and just decision in this case, remembering to separate any personal feeling or judgment?” I was asked specifically “do you think that you could find someone guilty if they should be found guilty?”
I have sense been wondering, thinking that I could use that sentence in life both here and overseas. I know that it is imperative to give each and every situation my best, untainted and purest attitude. Sharing the character that God would have me share.
Well, the 12 of us on the Jury bonded as we showed up for court every day for that week. Some of us would take breaks together or go to eat lunch with each other. It was a great time for me to share with people that I would not necessarily have come into contact with! I really enjoyed being the missionary jury person and fielding all the questions that came my way. I look forward to the next opportunity to do my duty as a fellow citizen of the United States, I hope you do too?
So, when you receive your summons for your respected duty to serve our country by showing up for the Jury pool and possible case, remember that anything can happen when the Lord is in control. You could meet someone that is in need. You could share Christ or just end up being a friend.