I had a coworker recently struggling with road rage vent to me about her struggles. I explained that I used to have bad road rage too. She asked how I got over it. The honest answer to that is because I realized that hurt people hurt people. I’ve been one of those hurt people on the road, distracted with painful life situations and FULL of anger.
I took it out on people on the road who would get in my way. I used to take it personally when they would cut me off or ride my bumper on the highway. Now I’ve gotten to a place when I see someone driving reckless that I instantly start praying for them. Don’t get me wrong my blood starts boiling instantly but I’ve learned to keep it in check. Instead of letting them pass and riding their bumper to get back at them, I let them pass and I start praying.
Lord only knows what they are going through and why they are so angry. Of course, not everyone is driving poorly and impatiently because they are hurting. But, that mindset helps me simmer down when I’m behind the wheel. You never know if the woman who cut you off just found out her husband has been cheating on her. Maybe she isn’t paying attention because of the blur of tears in her eyes. Or maybe she is rushing to the hospital to see a loved one in critical condition.
It’s funny how your perspective changes when you no longer see life through your eyes but try to see it through God’s. I pray for the Lord to give me His eyes to see the world as He does. That helps an emotional person like me to put things in perspective instead of getting angered so quickly.
Reflection
Do you see any behaviors in you that reveal you might have hidden anger? Are you taking your anger out in unhealthy ways? In what ways can you learn to manage your hurt?
“Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit, for anger resides in the lap of fools.” Ecclesiastes 7:9 (NIV)
A Prayer For You
Lord Jesus, forgive me for the times I have misrepresented you because of my hurt feelings. Show me how to manage my actions and reactions better so I deal with my hurt in healthy ways. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Stay hopeful!
