Pastor John Ortberg tells a humorous story about an umpire in a softball league in Colorado. One day, during the off season, this unfortunate umpire got stopped by a police officer for speeding. He pleaded for mercy. He explained to the policeman that he was a good driver and told why this particular day he had to be in a hurry.

The officer didn’t buy his argument. “Tell it to the judge,” he said.

When softball season rolled around, the umpire was umpiring his first game. Guess who was the first batter to the plate? It was the same police officer who ticketed the umpire for speeding. They recognized each other. It was awkward for the officer.

“So, how did the thing with the ticket go?” the officer asked as he prepared to swing at the first pitch.

With a menacing look on his face the um…