Every day I spend a total of half an hour in the car (maybe more). Fifteen minutes in the morning on the way to school, fifteen minutes on the way home that afternoon. The past couple years I've been driving, I've noticed the different ways I spend my time in the car.
One way starts the day out negatively and cripples relationships.
One way starts the day out positively and builds relationships.
Some days I would be rushed and running late, and I would snap at my sister. I would blame her for us running late or get angry because she didn't start the car and the snow and ice hadn't yet melted off. I would complain about her annoying habits or stupid decisions. There were some days when I would even yell and freak out. Even if we weren't arguing, maybe I was in a rush and speeding. I would get angry at other cars for not paying attention or not going the speed limit. I felt rushed and irritated. What a great start to my day.
Y'all. I couldn't even have fifteen minutes of peace.
On other days, I would be patient and relaxed on the way to school. I wasn't in a rush to get to my destination. I was at peace. I listened to what my sister had to say with a quiet spirit, and took in every detail of her life. I tried to give godly advice to some problems she was having at school. We bonded. We connected. We centered the conversation on godly thoughts and ideas. And we both left the car feeling closer to each other. We felt a bond and a trust. Times when I went alone, I spent praying for her to take after God's heart and follow him.
Which one of these options sounds better to you?
The time we spend in the car is an important start to our days. It can set your mood and attitude for the whole day. The way I choose to act each morning, whether its selfishly or selflessly, determines whether or not my 16 year old sister has a good day or a bad day. I can build her up and make her feel confident and secure, or I can tear her down, making her feel worthless and insecure. They way I choose to act decides if I hear and connect with God that morning. I've experienced both situations, and I can confidently say the second one is the one I want to try to live by.
So please, be aware of how you are spending your time in the car. Road rage may not seem like a big deal, but can there be a peace and love of God in your heart when you're screaming and cussing out other drivers or passengers? These fifteen minutes really do make a difference.
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