Road Rage

So, it is Monday morning... I am driving along to work... I pull up to a red light where I am going to turn right. The traffic is moderately heavy, but nothing too major. I have the option of turning right on red which I decided to exercise. Now, the speed limit along this stretch of road is 45 miles an hour. There was a van a considerable distance away and by the time that van had reached me, I was up to 40-42 mph. Definitely a reasonable driving choice.

But, isn't it interesting how others view our choices? This woman was not happy with me. You know the drive-by stares you get. I didn't look in her window closely enough to know whether I got more than a stare. And, you know the feeling you get. You think about it forever after it occurs and then realize they are in the vehicle probably seething.

We live in such a crazy world. You can't even do anything that is within your "rights" to do without offending someone.

As I have pondered my experience this morning, I am faced with a couple of choices. I can continue to feel icky about the whole experience and frustrated that someone would be so ridiculous as to express their frustration at my driving choice. Or, I can surrender my rights. How often do we hang onto things... feelings... offense.... garbage... just because it's our right to hang onto them. We are justified. The other person was wrong. Choice number one... hanging on to my rights...leaves me feeling frustrated, depressed, angry. All negative emotions that are bad for our bodies, minds and spirits. But, surrender, that's the harder choice but the one that reaps more benefits.

So, next time you are faced with someone who is experiencing road rage, remember, just lay down your rights to holding offense against that person. The life you save just might be yours!