Road Rage

by HJS

When my father died and we opened the glove compartment of his car, we found pieces of paper with license plate numbers written on them. My brother and I laughed because Dad encountered a discourteous driver, he would say, "Mother, write down that license number; I'm going to report him." And that she dutifully did. But by the time he had gotten home, he had forgotten the incident so he died leaving behind a legacy of scraps of paper with license plate numbers on them - a pretty innocent way of handling irritation.

While the following may only certify the obvious, they are worth remembering:

1. Don't allow your stress to jeopardize your safety.

2. Don't practice "an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth."

3. As much as you would like to dip your lights or blast your horn, don't. It can trigger a contest with someone whose hate-filled heart can make you a victim.

4. Avoid eye contact with people who irritate you, often considered a challenge.

5. Never gesture. It escalates anger.

6. Don't cut in front of the guy and slam on your brakes.

7. Practice the golden rule: Treat the other driver as you would have him treat you.

8. Take time. Trying to make up for leaving the office late by beating out the next driver may end up taking far longer than you had any idea.

9. Drive like the redeemed. If you have a fish - an ixthus symbol - on your bumper, don't drive like the devil.

10. Exercise restraint. Tell yourself, "That guy isn't worth my risking everything to get even with him."

Better a patient man than a warrior, a man who controls his temper than one who takes a city.   PROVERBS 16:32