Many life lessons can be learned from driving.
Think of your time on the road.
Has anyone ever done something that annoyed you? Or have you ever done anything that irritated another driver? Intentionally or unintentionally?
How have you felt when you’ve experienced either of those situations?
Do you find it easy to justify your own actions while wanting to hold others accountable for theirs?
I do.
In fact, recently while I was in the act of doing something that I knew might annoy other drivers, I hoped they would be kind.
Not long ago I had to rush my son to the emergency room. I found myself on a two-lane road with little traffic. After being stuck behind a slow moving car and missing two green lights, I decided to do something I normally wouldn’t do.
I pulled out and passed the car ahead of me, in the turn lane!
That’s not what the turn lane is for, and I knew that what I was doing was not only annoying, it was probably illegal, but under the circumstances I felt justified.
The other driver would not have known my reasons. He could have easily become angry thinking that I’m an irresponsible driver as well as other unkind thoughts. Maybe even hoping I’d get stopped and receive a ticket.
Oh, how I desperately could not afford to be stopped or get a ticket!
How often have I judged other drivers harshly, not knowing the reason behind their actions?
Because of this experience I have asked myself if I could now be a little more forgiving and kind, just as I was hoping others would be towards me in that moment?
Not only on the road but in everyday life, I have opportunities to withhold judgement and assume the best in others.
We can lighten their load and our own by letting go of the burden of judging others.
For judging others is a burden.
My reason for sharing this is not to condone reckless driving, but is to suggest that we never know the whole story behind another’s actions. And because of that, rather than feel justified in thinking the worst of another, we can choose to extend kindness and assume the best.
With love,
