For more years than I care to remember, this blue Ford van sat on a long
downhill on I-78 in Jersey. He sat there with his radar out, and picked off
cars left and right, as he was in the median. And although he was there, and it
was well known, people still sped through there, and easy target for him.
Somehow I always managed to avoid him, but more than made up for it elsewhere.
And in 1974 when the 55mph speed limit became law, I got 18 points in 12 months,
12 points means loss of license, and had to move to Pennsylvania using my
grandparents address. This new law seemed like a good thing for revenue, as I
got stopped at doing 56, 57, and very few offenses were over 60. For your
safety, we were told, on a highway designed for 85mph cruising, that just months
ago was safe at higher speeds. And so the story went..
Of course to commemorate the new lower limit, the motorcycle world
celebrated by coming out with faster motorcycles, the Z-1, GS1000, BMW R90S, and
even a six cylinder Honda. All could easily do 55 in first gear, but even the
threat of a ticket, which meant higher insurance, and possible loss of license,
see above, kept us within the limits. We just rode smarter, maybe a little
slower, but smarter. Until one afternoon, three of us took off for the
countryside in Jersey. Yes there is more to Jersey than the opening of The
Sopranos. On this beautiful Saturday, Bouke was riding his Z-1 with the
Yoshimura kit, the same one that at 105mph the helmet blew off my head, BH on
his Dunstall Honda 750, and me on my R90S. I was trailing, these guys were
really nuts, and at 100mph looking in my mirror all I saw was grill and flashing
lights. Pulling up to Bouke, he had seen them too, he nodded at me and we took
off, WTO! With BH following, and leaving the cop behind. Way behind, for it
was a few minutes until he caught us when we pulled over. Getting out of his
cruiser, he looked at the Dunstall, and said “that thing is fast,” looking at
me, “that thing is faster,” and at Bouke, “that thing is a rocket!” And
proceeded to talk motorcycles with us. It seems he rode, and had more affection
for fast motorcycles than the 55mph law. It also turned out he was a Captain in
the New Jersey State Police, and decided to let us off, but couldn’t because he
had radioed us in. So he asked us what he should do, but answered it himself
after checking Bouke’s plate, which was licensed to an old Bonneville. “You’re
all getting tickets for improper registration, no points, and only a $15 fine.”
We knew not to argue. And then he also gave us his card, with his home phone,
if we ever got into trouble again. This man did more for public relations and
motorcycle safety that day than all the other sermons I had to listen to when
previously pulled over. He had us, but showed us mercy. And we gave him
something, uncommon then, and very scarce today-respect. And never did pull out
his card when needed, never wanted to jeopardize him or his position. Respect
works both ways.
Mercy is an interesting concept. Jesus showed it many times in parables
when those caught in sin were forgiven. It wasn’t a free pass, it was paid for
by Him, later on the cross. But in His mercy He showed love, and set an example
for us to use on others. And backed up with meekness, a fruit of the spirit,
His power under control is a welcome thing in our lives. And in this pre-Christ
time in my life, I was shown mercy, by a loving God, who I was still cursing. I
needed more mercy, and He continued to show it, based on who He is, thankfully
not on what I had done. Based on my record, I am usually borderline on even a
good day, but thanks to His mercy and grace, I am forgiven. And live to face
another tomorrow and all the trials it brings.
BH was later to lose his motorcycle license when he wheelied his bike for a
girl, and landed on the trunk of a police car. I would lose mine for speeding
tickets, but never at the fun speeds of that afternoon. Bouke, who knows how
many ID’s he had on him, don’t ask. But God continues to show us mercy, and
saves us by grace, a gift I don’t deserve, and couldn’t earn. Points never came
easy for good deeds, I ‘m glad Jesus knew that. So He offers us grace, His
unmerited favor. And when tempered with self control via the throttle hand, we
never need to take advantage of it. Meekness again, power under control, makes
us better riders, and also better Christians. It’s right there on the list
before self control. Also after love, joy, peace, patience, goodness, and
kindness, unless you need to be reminded. Good things, showing the character of
God. And allowing us to be like Him.
Jesus said He will never leave us or forsake us. He was with us that
afternoon at over 100mph, and here as you read this. Love will do that. And
all He asks is that we pass it on. Just like the Police Captain that
afternoon. On the side of the road. Where Jesus just happened to spend most of
His time, on the road. Mercy is faster than a speeding ticket, so as the saying
goes, “never fly faster than your angels can fly.” Or better yet, stay close to
Jesus. Never leave home without Him. Worked for me, even in Jersey. If it
works there, imagine how it can work where you ride.
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com