When you are righteous -- or in the right -- there are options on how you respond to the other party. You can be righteous again and take the high road, or you can take the low road and be all "IN YOUR FACE!" to the other party. Today on the way to work, I took the low road. I was in the right and had the right of way to go first at a three-way stop sign. However, the truck opposite me cut in front of me. What did I do?
Did I take the high road and the defensive driving route and just pause and safely go later? Nope. I followed closely and laid on my horn for about a second.
I reminded myself of a friend of mine in a band (who shall remain nameless). After a festival performance in Marble Falls they pulled their van or bus (I can't remember) into a well lit corner gas station, which was about the only and last station before civilization ended for several miles and we got into Austin. Apparently it was like 11:59 pm and the place closes at midnight. With their vehicle pulled up to the pumps, the pumps suddenly shut off. Instead of politely requesting the manager or workers to please turn the pumps back on and allow them to gas up, my friend laid on his horn. He did so longer than anyone I've ever heard. I'm talking maybe 30 seconds. Just one solid honk. One of the workers came over, perturbed, "Have you got a problem?"
"Yeah, I've got a problem, my friend retorted back, apparently ready to throw down if necessary.
That was funny and embarrassing at the same time.
As I got closer to work, I moved into the left lane and turned my left turn signal on. I would then move into the middle turn lane to make a left on CR 424, which the HM Ranch is on. But someone turning left and coming the opposite direction stayed in that lane much longer than they needed to.
I was tempted to take the wrong attitude again (and glare at them real good when I passed by), but I was able to overcome the temptation and just patiently wait until I could get into that lane and turn left.
It's funny how we can be tested on some very basic and core attitude levels with driving. I think God cares about the character of His Son being formed in us, and driving is a real practical place where that can be worked out ... or not.
Posted by Doug Van Pelt at February 6, 2007 09:49 AM"pray for them which despitefully use you" Mat 5.44 & luk 6.28
It works wonders for our attitude.
Marble Falls Eh?
God know's I've served a fair share of time down there, and you're right, there is nothing between Austin and Marble Falls except for like, the Kountry Kitchen.
and you know that if they can't spell well, chances are they can't cook either.
Posted by: Nathan at February 6, 2007 11:16 AMKeeping my cool while driving is one of my biggest problems. What you talk about here is nothing compared to me on a regular basis.
Posted by: Reese at February 6, 2007 03:55 PM