“Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.” ~ Ephesians 4: 31-32 (NKJV)
While taking my daughter to school last week, I encountered a road rage situation. We’ve all been there, someone cuts you off or someone is acting like they are driving Miss Daisy in front you. It’s frustrating and irritating, especially if you are running late. Most of the time the incident will result in a dirty look or possibly some inappropriate hand gestures. Unfortunately, some incidences result in more extreme and sometimes traumatic actions.
As I turned onto the highway from the neighborhood street, the car behind me attempted to go around me but I did not see them try this until I had already started making my way in the next lane. I can only guess that this person thought I was doing it on purpose. The driver became upset to the point that they pulled along side me and starting throwing things out of their window at my car. The first two objects, what looked like a fork and a banana, missed my car. As I swerved trying to figure out my next move and keep my 10-year old daughter calm, the next projectile made contact with my car. It appeared to be a full cup of fancy, Starbuck’s type coffee. And not a small cup either. Satisfied that the target was hit the car speed off. I was livid! In my emotions I speed up to try to catch them to get the license plate number. The driver saw me coming and assumed I would be making a left at the next light since I had been getting into the left lane. As I approached the light I noticed the car had blocked the turning lane and the intersection so that I would either have to stop behind it or maneuver around exposing myself to a potential hit if that was what they decided to do. I never had any intention to turn there. My destination was straight ahead. As I passed by, I could see the car hesitate at the intersection. I wasn’t sure if they would change course and come after me again. They did not. The car eventually turned and went along its way.
I was shaken, but did my best to hide that from my daughter. I wanted to cuss and fuss but the only thing I could think about was what could possibly have happened before 9am in your morning that you were so enraged the simplest interference in your journey had you throwing your entire breakfast at someone. All I could do was pray. Pray for whoever was in the car. The windows were deeply tinted so I never caught a glimpse of who was in the car. Not only praying for them, but whoever else they would encounter in their day. Perhaps the next person would end up with something much worse than just needing a car wash. I was reminded of a dear high school friend who lost her ex-husband this past year to a road rage incident. My next action was praise. Thanking God for His protection over us during the situation. Things could have turned out so much worse.
I’m not sure how the person in that car spent their morning, but I’m almost certain it was not in conversation with God. I’m certain the fact that I did kept me from making an emotional reaction that could have escalated the situation. As you move throughout your morning routine and think you can put off having a date with the divine, I ask you to consider the difference it can make toward your day. Be blessed!