Traveling on the Right Bus
This morning, on the way to Pre-K drop-off, our minivan pulled up next to a big yellow school bus. In her 5-year old humor, my daughter jokingly said that she was “jumping out of our car and getting on that bus!” Giggles ensued from both her and my two-year old son as they laughed about jumping cars. I laughed along and responded with something to the extent of “if you jumped on that bus, I wouldn’t know where to come pick you up!”
It must have been a sobering question for her because the laughter stopped as she inquisitively asked, “Wait, why not?!” I began to explain that not all buses are going to the same destination and that this bus wasn’t marked with it’s final destination on the outside. It would take some research and time to figure out where that bus was headed.
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As I concluded my explanation, it struck me how this seemingly small life lesson applied to me, too. How many times in my own life have I “jumped” aboard something that appeared good or right, and I assumed was headed where I wanted to end up?
Too many to count.
How many times did I find myself on a path I had chosen in my own independence and control, and hoped that without research and surrendering it to the Lord that He would just bless it because that’s what I wanted.
More times than I wish.
The conversation with my 5-year-old concluded with a quick declaration that to get where we want to go, we need to make sure we get on the bus (or path) that is going where we want to go. Attention spans waned, and it was on to the next song in the playlist for my kiddos, but the thought continued to mull around in my mind. The Holy Spirit was kind and drew parts of these verses to mind as I finished the drop-off drive.
“Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.” Isaiah 30:21 (NIV)
“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.” Psalm 32:8 (NIV)
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6
What a great reminder at every age to pay attention to the decisions I make, big or small, each day. And to ensure that I’m making them with the end destination in mind, so that I am a more thoughtful traveler in this one life God has given me.