At the Bus Stop

Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail.  They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.  I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion, therefore I will wait for him. (Lamentations 3:22-24)

I went to get my hair trimmed today by a new hair stylist.  The beginning of the conversation started out a little rough as she shared her story of moving to Florida from Colorado.  I shared that I have only been here for a little over a year.  She asked where I moved from and I shared that I moved from Minnesota.

The hairstylist/designer, Susan, proceeded to share with me that she doesn’t care for Florida at all.  Then she shared with me all the things that she dislikes about Florida.  I sat there and heard all of her complaints.  It’s amazing to me how many people complain about the opportunity to live in a free country, with running water, and wealth that over 90% of the world doesn’t have.  Well, that’s not the route I took to help her see that we have a lot more to be thankful for than she might think.  Instead, I helped her see all the good things there are about Florida.

I remember hearing a story once upon a time about a bus driver who drove the same route for many years.  He came across many people in his line of work.

One week a man came on his bus and asked, “What is the next town like?”

The bus driver said, “That depends, what was the last town like that you were in?”

The man said, “Well, the last town I was in was terrible.  The people were unfriendly.  The scenery wasn’t all that great.  The restaurants need improvement.  And there were no churches that fit my personality.”

The bus driver said, “I’m sorry to tell you this, but you will find the same thing in the town we are coming to.”

(At the same bus stop the very next week.)

A second man came on his bus and asked, “What is the next town like?”

The bus driver said, “That depends, what was the last town like that you were in?”

The man said, “Well, the last town I was in was wonderful.  The people were very friendly.  The scenery was amazing.  The restaurants had great food.  And the church I went to had great worship, an excellent biblical message, and friendly fellowship.”

The bus driver said, “I’m so glad to hear that.  You will find all of the same things in the next town.”

The point of the story is that it wasn’t the town that needed the change, it was the perspective of the person.  I think this story is pretty easy to apply to many situations in our own lives.  I want to take you quickly back to where I left off with my designer/hairsylist, Susan.  After I shared with Susan some of the great things that Florida had to offer, her tone started to change.  It’s amazing how that happens!  In fact, we got to talking so much that when my appointment ended, she was still sharing things with me and much more happy than when I first came in.  It truly is great how we can help turn someone’s day around just by being positive.

How will you look at life today?  Will you start to see things through a positive perspective or do you need to have a talk with the bus driver on duty?  God is always on duty and never too busy for you.  He is the one driving your bus and He would love to have a conversation with you today!

Dear Father God, I pray that I will be positive no matter how difficult life may get.  May I always find the good in things, knowing that You have given me way too much to ever complain!  You are good and Your mercies truly do endure forever!

Living in Your Faithfulness,