Peace officers serve us by maintaining law and order — and they’re probably the most misunderstood, criticized of all public servants.
Some years ago I had a 1967 Triumph motorcycle (a 650 Bonneville, TT Special — for all you “bike buffs”) that needed an engine overhaul. I had the work done, installed the engine, and then began to “break it in” (ride it as per the mechanic’s instructions so the new engine parts would “mate” properly).
Breaking in the engine required short spurts of rapid acceleration to assist in this break-in procedure. Coming up the on-ramp onto the freeway I accelerated rapidly as per the mechanic’s instructions.
Well, a CHP officer clocked me — and came after me! I pulled over and immediately said something like, “Too fast, huh!” I then explained how I totally understood why he’d pulled me over and that I deserved to be cited.
Then I said, “Ya, the mechanic told me I’m supposed to accelerate rapidly to help seat the rings in this newly rebuilt engine.”
The officer just stood there, silent — and then to my gleeful surprise, his response was, “Ya know, you’re the first guy all day that hasn’t given me any [lip] (not the word he used!). Have a nice day!”
Interestingly, I later discovered that my response to him was actually Biblical: “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger” Proverbs 15:1.
Amazing, isn’t it, how practical application of God’s Word can work to our benefit! Mark it well: You too may have the opportunity to try this one out — seize the moment then watch what happens [maybe]!