“Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret – it leads only to evil.” Psalm 37:8 (NIV)
“Vroom, Vroom.” As he tiptoes past his child’s room, Dad overhears a playful sound. Then a sudden outburst pierces his ear. “Beep, beep, you idiot! GET OUT OF MY WAY!”
He stops in freeze frame as he ponders these strange words from a tiny voice. Then it hits him. Son’s voice – Daddy’s words.
We all know how it feels to be stuck in traffic. Our cruise control is locked on 75 as we muscle through a sea of cars going 60. Who hasn’t chafed as the stoplight changes three times and the traffic crawls? But do you really need to go from mild mannered motorist to megalomaniac in 6.8 seconds?
OK. Traffic IS worse these days. But getting mad won’t make it go away. Our wrath just creates another tangle. This kind of anger reveals a separation from God and from other people.
As we peer out of our windshields, we only see cars. We don’t see the people in them. Instead, we treat the other drivers like objects. That’s why it’s so easy to get out of control behind the wheel. But those people are real, just like us. We would never treat another person like that face to face!
It’s simple to rationalize our fury, especially when we de-humanize the other drivers. But they are God’s children too. By not honoring them, we dishonor him.
Traffic angst is an attitude. Try these ideas to clean it up:
·Work on your anger. Talk about it with a friend..
·Look at the other drivers who are probably angry too. How can you honor them?
·Driving isn’t a contest. There aren’t extra points for winning.
This frustration isn’t healthy. It can only bring harm to us, other motorists, and even the children who ride with us. So what’s causing your anger? Is it the traffic or you? It’s time for a change of heart. So just take a breath and calm yourself. Remember - God loves the other drivers too!
Living for God (TM) offers resources on Christian living. Check them out at www.livingforgod.net or call (719) 578-8837.
