My dad has terrible road rage, and I swore since childhood not to inherit this. Having recently passed my test I was quite proud that I didn’t… until I met the A47. I’m from the West Country so being stuck behind a tractor doesn’t bother me; it’s actually a welcome reminder of home. And anyway there are always dual-la

ne carriageways to offer a chance for some rather satisfying and skilfully manoeuvred overtaking. Unfortunately not every driver is as skilful as I. The thing that DOES irritate me, and turns me into my dad, is when ‘road-hogs’ sit in the overtaking lanes to save their place in the queue, slowing traffic. So I take it upon myself to gracefully and selflessly teach others how to drive – for the greater good of the whole road-dwelling community of course!
I weave in and out of lanes, overtaking by the book, in the vein hope that cars in front will catch a glimpse of me in their rear-view mirror and follow suit. I occasionally use hand gestures to emphasise my point, but these are often misinterpreted. I have learnt that this technique is ultimately futile so my pristine driving is lost to the world.

If I am at the front of the queue however, applying the same technique, I find that EVERYBODY then follows suit and the whole driving experience is less stressful and much quicker for all involved. For the driving community to gain from my immaculate driving I need to be at the front setting the example, if I remain hidden at the back I will forever go unnoticed or unappreciated.

The same goes for our Christian life. If we have received the grace of Christ and follow his example then we have something to offer the world. Matthew 5:15 says “Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

I don’t need to quote the highway code chapter and verse, or stand on T-junction corners shouting at drivers who pass by, or argue my case for overtaking – I witness by setting an example that others may ‘see the good I drive and glorify my driving instructor in BSM