BY DR. GLENN MOLLETTE

We all need a few strategies for navigating the highway of life.

Here is a simple rule: Do not fight with people at a buffet. When someone cuts in front of you to grab the fried chicken or mashed potatoes, simply back off. Let them reach for what they want. Keep in mind it is a buffet and more food will be coming. We have all seen people act like they have not eaten in years when they are going through a buffet. Take your time. You can always come back for more. You will not go home hungry.

Let people pass you on the road. If you want to drive 45 mph, that is okay. Life does not have to be lived at 75 mph. There is a reason there are speed limits on roads. Actually, some country roads need slower speed limits. Just because it is legal to drive 55 mph on a country road does not mean it is safe to drive that fast. Take your time, slow down and let Mario pass you so you can enjoy the rest of your ride.

Do not ignore the efforts of others. When it is obvious that someone is working and trying hard, give them some appreciation. Sometimes people work hard and still do not do a great job. You do not have to encourage them to continue in their failures. If people are trying, they have a chance to progress and do better. You can find a way to constructively encourage them in their efforts.

Let the school teacher know you appreciate them. They have tough jobs.

Let your local public servant know you are thankful for his or her community efforts. Public service is often thankless.

Thank the people who take care of you at your local medical office, nursing home and so forth. Extend appreciation to those who help you along life’s journey.

Do not let opportunities pass. Wish people happy birthday, anniversary or whatever the occasion may be. Grieve with those who are suffering loss. In some way we will all experience various life celebrations and difficult occasions. We need each other in the good times and the difficult times. Be a friend in the good times and the bad.

We rarely agree with each other all of the time or even most of the time. Approval of each other’s politics, life achievements or failures should not be a reason to withhold kindness or even friendship. Becoming adversarial only demonstrates that we are small and incapable of working with others to solve problems.

Finally, treat others the way you want to be treated. Love is kind and covers a multitude of sins.

Dr. Glenn Mollette is the author of 15 books. He graduated from Georgetown College, Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky, and Lexington Theological Seminary in Lexington, Kentucky, and founded Newburgh Theological Seminary in Newburgh, Indiana. His column is published in more than 600 media outlets nationwide.