Graduation day is a momentous occasion filled with pride and joy. Recently, my wife and I experienced this firsthand as we watched our eldest son, Matthew, graduate from Colleton County High School. We were those parents, snapping countless photos and soaking in every moment of the celebration. However, the joyous atmosphere took an unexpected turn when we attempted to leave the school parking lot.
Frustrated driver in traffic jam expressing road rage
Cougar stadium was packed with hundreds of people that day, so a smooth and swift exit was wishful thinking. My son, the graduate, and I were heading to his graduation party, less than a mile away. But that mile felt like a hundred as we sat in gridlock. It took a staggering thirty minutes just to inch out of our parking spot. What we witnessed during that time was truly eye-opening. Car after car aggressively maneuvered, drivers determined to block anyone from merging ahead of them. The level of territorial behavior was astounding. People stared with intense glares, as if daring you to even consider pulling out in front of them.
As a preacher, I must confess, it tested my patience to maintain a spirit of goodwill. At one point, I actually lowered my window to politely ask a woman, “What are you teaching your children?” My son, ever pragmatic, cautioned, “Daddy, you’re going to get us killed.” Sadly, he might have been right. It was disheartening to witness such blatant self-centeredness displayed in front of children, who were absorbing these lessons in real-time.
My upbringing instilled in me a different approach. My mother taught me to prioritize the needs of others above my own. Kindness, consideration, and opening doors were not just good manners; they were expressions of joy and a way of life. It became clear that many of those around us in the parking lot that day did not share this perspective. Their faces and actions spoke volumes about their self-absorbed mindset.
For anyone who has encountered similar displays of rudeness, no further explanation is needed. However, for everyone reading this, I urge you: don’t be that person. Instead of asking “Why Gotta Be So Rude?”, choose to be kind. Look for opportunities to show consideration. Shift your focus from yourself to those around you. You might be surprised by the unexpected blessing that comes from loving your neighbor as yourself.
As the scripture reminds us, “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” (Colossians 3:12)(NIV)
