Christian Driving

Ok, so I have been quiet on here for a little longer than I first intended. I am still working on my letter and it is taking longer than I thought so I am going to try and blog and write until it is finished.

Today's post is based on an experiment I have been performing for a few weeks now, I have been trying to see what difference driving in a Christian manner makes to my daily commute. Each day I spend up to about 2 hours driving to and from work and this has given me much time to try out various styles of driving to see which one works best.

I have to admit that naturally I am a very aggressive driver, I have always assumed that this style would be best as it would get me from point A to point B in the fastest possible time. Recently however the stress levels I have experienced in the car have been enough for me to try out a few different styles of driving to see if they make a difference.

The first difference I made was taking a different route to work, after a little experimenting I found a lovely route that takes me through some beautiful countryside with fantastic views that also uses less fuel, win win so far. Just the other day I realised that driving this route home rather than the motorway and the excessive traffic was leaving me feeling happier and more relaxed at the end of my journey which has led to my long term abandonment of the motorway.

Another difference which I am sad to admit I am finding difficult to always stick to, and one I have to remind myself of regularly is to drive in a Christian manner. To be courteous to other road users, polite and conscientious at all times instead of defending my road position and throwing hideous insults at those who get in my way. I have realised that on the days I drive with respect for those also using the road I may not always get home as fast as I could, but I do get home relatively stress free.

So my question is, when driving do you find that taking time to drive as a Christian and to appreciate God's creation improves your day, or is speed and short journey time the target for you?