$.75 or $120?

It started by having my credit card statement say "$40 for Replenishing I-Pass" way too often. So, I called the I-Pass office and found out that every time I go onto I-88 or 355, the minimum - yes minimum cost is $.75 or $1.50 for a round trip to Villa Park, Lombard, Lisle or Elmhurst from Aurora. I thought we were still paying $.40 each way - or a total of $.80 for a round trip.
Now, I have often believed that if we take care of the pennies, God will take care of the dollars and I am accountable to Him for how I spend what He has entrusted to me. I have truly believed it all belongs to Him - and try to spend accordingly.
So, I decided to take Ogden, Butterfield or Roosevelt Road lately - avoiding the costly expressways. Yes, it takes a little more time - but I decided it was worth it.
Until today.
Coming out of a restaurant on Butterfield Road, just west of Naperville Road - where the longest construction project ever is still taking place - I passed Naperville Road (avoiding taking the expressway home - HA - saved $.75) and, as I continued west on Butterfield Road, noticed a police officer looking at me. I checked my speed and was happy to see that I was going the limit, so I continued on - talking to my brother on my cell phone. It was rare that I did not plug in my hands free cord to speak while driving - but knowing I was not in Chicago, I thought I was okay.
When I saw the lights - I knew I was caught - but not sure for what. He instructed me that talking on the cell phone in construction or school zones was illegal - OUCH!
He said I could use my cord attached to my phone - and thus be on it - anytime - anywhere - even around the airports in Chicago - as long as my hands were free.
And, the ticket issued for $120 not only taught me a lesson on the rules I was not aware of - it also made me long for the expressway :)
Blessings!