An interview with Jesus about driving pt.3 (1, 2, 3, 4)
HWJD: "I always thought I was being a good Samaritan, and I guess, if I was being really truthful, I didn't want that, um, person to beat me."
Jesus: "I seem to bring that out in people (winks), and your honesty reveals the real issue. Whether it is ego, machismo, stupido, whatever, it really isn't helping. What would it hurt to move over and let them pass? You continue on at the same speed with one less danger around you and much less stress inside you. If nothing else, put all the competitive feelings aside for a second and think, what if that person is rushing to the hospital, or there is some other dire situation that is causing them to drive that way? What if your failure to move over is just making it worse? May not be the case, but what if it is?"
HWJD: "Got me again... never thought of it that way."
Jesus: "Few people do. In this 'me-centered' society many people miss the fact that the best thing for 'me' would be to let the other's pass, less danger, less stress and it might just be the right thing to do. Now, where'd we leave off on our list?"
HWJD: "Let me take a look at the notes, um, watch your speed. Don't you mean don't speed?"
Jesus: "In a way. Going to fast is bad because of the danger to you, other vehicle occupants and other people around you, but you also cause yourself stress when others 'don't get out of your way' not to mention the stress you cause the others who aren't moving fast enough for you. But, watching your speed isn't just about going to fast, its also about going to slow."
HWJD: "Isn't going to slow much safer?'
Jesus: "You would think, but if the flow of traffic isn't paying attention to the speed of slower drivers, it could be dangerous, as well as irritating to other drivers who are being delayed by the slowpoke. One slow driver could stress out many."
HWJD: "Kind of funny when you think about it, go to fast and your considered an idiot, go to slow, same thing."
Jesus: "True, not how I would have put it, but true. It's the 'me' mindset. Everyone not doing exactly like 'me' is wrong, and they are all just irritating 'me'. I think this 'me' thing is the root of most road rage."
HWJD: 'Wow... that's kinda deep."
Jesus: "Thanks. Not trying to be deep, just trying to enlighten the masses, so to speak."
HWJD: "Next one was 'don't be surprised.' Isn't that the same as plan accordingly?"
Jesus: "A little, but it goes beyond that. Seems to me people are surprised when somebody cuts them off, or tailgates them, or flips them off, or runs a light, or honks if they don't pull out fast enough, and so on. Sure, some of these may surprise you, but they require action, not reaction or emotion. You know, there have always been people who drive like, insert your own descriptor, and there always will be. Chances are, since there seem to be so many, there will be one near you, be ready for it, take action but don't react aggressively."
HWJD: "You know, you're right. Stuff like that happens to me all the time. Sometimes I am the one getting honked at, but sometimes I am the honker. I guess if I just expect it to happen it wouldn't be a surprise."
Jesus: "Exactly, what's left on the list?"