Inconsiderate Vehicle Drivers

“That’s not nice,” I declared, when a pick-up truck pulled out, from a side road, onto the highway in front of me. There weren’t any vehicles close behind me, so he could have waited two more seconds before pulling out. Instead, I had to brake, from my seventy mph, to slow down behind him, and follow as he slowly picked up speed to only fifty mph.

“Inconsiderate. Did he even look my way?” I pondered. I now had to find a place to safely pass him between the curves and oncoming vehicles on the two-lane road.

I don’t know whether he didn’t see me coming on the highway, didn’t care, was talking on a cell phone, distracted by a child in his vehicle, or lost in his own thoughts. Whatever the reason for his action, I now had a choice to make. I could be angry at him for his inconsideration, or I could forgive him and ask God to help me drive defensively and considerate of other drivers.

Opportunity to practice God’s forgiveness seems to come in varied forms. I hadn’t planned on this time for another practice session. But, I did choose to forgive him, even though it took a few minutes to come to that conclusion. I do want my thoughts and actions to reflect God’s Character.

“If you forgive anyone, I also forgive him. And what I have forgiven--if there was anything to forgive--I have forgiven in the sight of Christ for your sake, in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes.” 2 Corinthians 2:10-11 (NIV)

Helen L. Hoover