I love traffic

We live in such stressful timesthat we automatically react

negatively to traffic. In the rat raceof life, we are easily irritated bydriving around, even when we’re notin any particular hurry. A change ofmindset can alter the way we behavein traffic.

Years ago, I lived in Hong Kong. It isa bustling international city; peoplefrom all over the world are there forbusiness opportunities. This city isalways on the run. During the time Iwas there, I ministered a lot inEurope and Asia. Whenever I steppedoff of the plane, even though I wasnot in any hurry, I’d fall into the rat-race. I’d rush to catch the subway orthe bus or the taxi. Even a leisurelywalk would turn into a brisk one.One day it dawned on me that I wassucked into the hurried lifestyle.

In America, we complain abouttraffic routinely. It is almost aconversation piece in the morning.On the surface it may look innocentbut if we’re not careful, stress intraffic can take a toll on our lives.Today, let’s look at a few positiveways to turn traffic into a productivetime.

Pray in traffic. I pray a lot in traffic.Prayer is talking to God just as we dowith another person. It accomplishestwo things. One, I can pray for myfriends – that’s you. Two, when Ipray, it’s hard to complain or have abad attitude. Talking to God alsomakes me feel safer. Of course, Ipray with my eyes open and Irecommend the same for you.Praying helps me keep the focus offme and on God and others. When I’mnot praying, I listen to worship

music. Instantly I feel the peacefulpresence of God. It is a greatsubstitute from getting irritated overtraffic.

Traffic helps build character. I livedin Los Angeles for five years. Youmay not believe me, but due to myown insecurity, I had road rage.When people cut me off, I’d speedup to get alongside the stranger andgive them my death stare. I wasoblivious to the fact that gun ownersin Los Angeles practice their targetshooting in traffic! When I realizedmy shortcoming, I made it mypersonal growth plan (PGP) toovercome my weakness. It took mesix months to get rid of anger.Today, traffic doesn’t bother me. Ican honestly say, “I love traffic!”

Traffic is a great place to spreadyour influence for good. In the past,I’d not allow another vehicle to slidein but now it’s easy. I often keep atwo or three car gap in front of me. Islow down to let other cars squeezein front of me. Have you noticed;when we’re courteous, othersfollow? It is a great way to spread joyand kindness and make a positivedeposit in others.

Traffic time can be educational. Iheard that if we spend one hourlistening to CDs or podcasts everyday for three years, you can becomean expert on the subject. This isreally powerful because it hashappened to me. I used to listen tomusic or talk shows on the radio butthen I got more intentional aboutusing my time more effectively. Idownloaded free teachings andsermons on subjects onto my iPod.

Now I learn while I drive.Occasionally, I still rock with U2!

Roads are treacherous. No matterwhat motivates you, you must find away to keep your cool in traffic.When we’re not at peace, we’reprone to make mistakes. Whenyou’re at peace, you’re powerful.Change your confession about traffic.Stop saying, “I hate traffic.” Here’swhy. What we say has powerfulimpact on what we experience inlife. Let’s say it with a smile, “I lovetraffic!” See, it wasn’t too hard wasit? The more you say it, the moreyou’ll believe it. The more youbelieve, the less traffic will have anegative impact on you.

Friend, let’s change our perspective!If you drive a car, you’re one of thefew privileged people in the world.You’re sitting in a comfortable carwith your personal space. Bethankful that you have a job to go toor return to your loved ones athome. Be kind and considerate. Youcan brighten someone’s day bysimply allowing them to squeeze infront of you. Smile instead of gettingsour and you can change theatmosphere in traffic. When youspend your time praying and learningin traffic, you can be the number onerat, in the rat-race of life! Sowkindness and you’ll reap the same. Ipray and declare that you’ll nevercomplain about traffic again. Drivesafe. Drive happy. Spread a littlecheer along the way!

“When I was a child, I spoke andthought and reasoned as a child. Butwhen I grew up, I put away childishthings” (I Corinthians 13:11 NLT).

Empowering You withSandy Anderson

I Love Traffic

SandyAndersonLive orBuild International Ministries

www.buildinternational.blogspot.com

www.buildinternational.org

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