Road P.R.A.I.S.E Instead of Road Rage

Christmas is nearly here. The shopping is almost done. Ribbons, labels and bows adorn just about every present. Just when you thought you were done, you realize, it’s time to head back to the store for the zillionth time. You forgot that one last thing, again. 

No problem, except everyone and and their mother has forgotten one last thing too. The world will converge at the local grocery store to get that one last thing. And I mean everyone!

Can you feel it now? The tension that the parking lot will bring. The irritated nerves that will be inflamed even more when you see the traffic. Do the stop lights even work properly on days like this. We just sit and sit and sit. No one moves. Every parking spot is taken. That person just stole my sought after perfect and waited for spot. Arghhh.

If you’ve read my past post about insults you’ll know that parking lot and road rage has got the best of me before.

Road rage not only happens during the holidays, but all the time. We often let our feelings get in the way of so many things, but especially when we need to be focusing on safety and being so careful not to hurt anyone.

Road rage is a serious problem and can change your life in a bad way in a moments notice.

Did you know:

• 66% of traffic fatalities are caused by aggressive driving.
• 37% of aggressive driving incidents involve a firearm.
• Males under the age of 19 are the most likely to exhibit road rage.
• Half of drivers who are on the receiving end of an aggressive behavior, such as horn honking, a rude gesture, or tailgating admit to responding with aggressive behavior themselves.
• Over a seven year period, 218 murders and 12,610 injuries were attributed to road rage.
• 2% of drivers admit to trying to run an aggressor off the road!

As you can see Road Rage can be a real problem. Road R.A.G.E. Is truly Real Aggression Gone Evil. Nothing good comes from Road Rage.

Even though Christmas is almost here, chances are you’ll need to head to the store in one form or another the day after Christmas. Either for returning and exchanging gifts or needing groceries. The traffic, crowds, busy parking lots may be unavoidable. But our attitudes can make the difference. And even save a life.

Instead of having Road Rage this Holiday season, why not try Road Praise?

I just recently heard a friend say this, “Road Praise instead of Road Rage”. What a great idea and thought process.

While you’re driving, give praise instead of rage.When you start thinking about praising, it’s hard to be mad at the same time.

How can you implement Road P.R.A.I.S.E.?

[toggle_group] [toggle_item icon=”hb-moon-hand” title=”PATIENCE     {1 Corinthians 13: 4-5}”]

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.

Before we pull out of the driveway, we need to remember to be patient. When we have patience we are not easily angered. And anger is where rage comes from.

[/toggle_item] [toggle_item icon=”icon-user” title=”RESPECT     {Philippians 2:3}”]

Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves.

Respecting others reminds us that we need to think of others, not just ourselves. Remember the Golden Rule: Treat others as you wish to be treated (Matthew 7:12)

[/toggle_item] [toggle_item icon=”hb-moon-question-5″ title=”ASK     {Luke 11:9}”]

In Luke 11:9 it tells us to ask and keep asking. But ask what? While you’re driving, ask for compassion, ask for help respecting others. Ask for help keeping your attitude in check. Your attitude is your responsibility. You must ask for help when you need it![/toggle_item] [toggle_item icon=”hb-moon-users-3″ title=”INTERCEDE     {Hebrews 7:25}”]In Hebrews 7:25 it tells us to stand in on behalf of another. There is no better way to get our eyes off of ourselves and onto another when you are in intercession mode. Instead of saying not-so-nice-words about that “other”driver, pray for them. You never know what is happening in their life today.[/toggle_item] [toggle_item icon=”hb-moon-megaphone” title=”SPEAK     {Ephesians 4:29}”]

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.

Speak wholesome, nice words about others around you while you are out driving. When you think and speak good words about others, then it’s hard to think bad of them. Lift others up, don’t tear them down, even if they can’t hear you. Do it anyways.

[/toggle_item] [toggle_item icon=”hb-moon-happy” title=”ENJOY     {Matthew 11:29-30}”]

Give your burdens to God and and enjoy His presence. When you are in His presence you will have joy (Psalm 16:11).

Don’t let a crummy attitude ruin your day or even your life. Enjoy the day, enjoy your life. Give P.R.A.I.S.E.

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Photo Credit: (c) Can Stock Photo