In a joyful mood, I was getting lost in the music when I saw the driver of the car in front roll down the window and hold out a beer bottle. I should've known then and there that something bad was going to happen but I completely blanked out during those five seconds. Before I could question what the individual was doing, I saw the driver throw the bottle directly in front of my car, causing it to smash onto the ground in pieces. I was maybe ten feet away from this vehicle so I was grateful that the bottle didn't land onto my car but the shattered glass pieces did scrape along my windows and front hood.
For the next few seconds, I drove with my mouth hanging wide open. My face started turning red as I disregarded the song I had previously been engaged in. My initial reaction was to drive alongside the car and flip off the four passengers (I know, so out of character for me), who were at this point looking back and laughing among themselves. I was furious. Sin consumed my tiny heart as I watched them find pleasure in their irresponsible actions.
I didn't do anything to deserve this. They deserve to pay!
Then I remembered the "Big Picture Faith" video that I had watched earlier last month. This man, who had lost his beloved wife and son, had shown love and grace to the young man who was responsible for their deaths. Suddenly, I didn't feel so angry anymore. I could hear the worship playing on the station again as my heart was being softened.
You know what, God? You deal with this. I lift it up to You.
So that was it. I simply dialed 911 to report a potential drunk driver and left it there.
I'm glad God gave me the strength to hand the situation up to Him. Who knows what would've happened if I hadn't? A car accident resulted from losing my temper? How foolish.
I don't know what eventually happened to those people - maybe they got pulled over, maybe they angered a few more drivers, maybe there was no consequence at all. I don't know. I'll tell you this though. It is so liberating to let go of petty issues.
"A man's wisdom gives him patience; it is to his glory to overlook an offense." -Proverbs 19:11
