Looking out my parents’ bathroom window, I could see the school bus off in the distance. It was my responsibility to watch for the school bus and get ready to board it. When the school bus reached the top of the hill, I knew I had to run as fast as I could through the house, out the front door, down the sidewalk to the driveway, and arrive at the edge of the road on time. If I messed around and was not ready to watch for the school bus, I would miss it. Then my Mom would have to step in and take me to school.
I loved riding the bus. My friends were on the bus, and we always seemed to have things to talk about – like plans for recess or weekend sleepovers or, as the years passed and our conversations turned, “boys.”
The bus driver had some rules we were expected to follow: rules for conduct, procedures in case of an emergency, and guidance. When the yellow lights flashed, it meant caution to oncoming traffic and the cars behind the bus. When the red lights flashed, drivers knew the bus was coming to a stop and that the red stop sign would swing out. Red lights and the red stop sign were a signal to everyone to stop, look, and listen. There was also an emergency door at the rear of the bus. The emergency door was just that, used if we needed to get off the bus quickly. Outside on the rear door was painted “SCHOOL BUS” and “THIS VEHICLE STOPS AT ALL INTERSECTIONS.” When the bus came to a complete stop, red lights flashing, the red stop sign would swing out and the bus door would open. We knew it was safe then to climb up the four steps and head back to our seat. Speaking of seats on the bus, sitting in the back of the bus or getting a window seat was the best. You would give your lunch money for one of those seats!
The other day as I was driving home, I followed a yellow school bus. My thoughts went back to a time in my life when my world seemed pretty all right. The school bus experience taught me a few life skills that have stayed with me.
Responsibility
Not focusing on my responsibilities might cost me valuable time and lead me down the wrong path.
Friendship
True friends save you a seat so you do not have to go without lunch because you bought your seat from the upper classmen.
Communication
Conversations are as important now as they were when we rode the school bus.
Rules
Following rules just for the rule’s sake is not meaningful. But rules for positive conduct, sharing, caring about others, giving, and kindness provide good guidance for all of us as kids growing up.
Yellow Lights
Having caution in life to take a step back, regroup, rethink, ask for advice or counseling, deposited some good personal qualities in my character.
Red Flashing Lights
Something is about to happen – could be good or could be dangerous.
Red Stop Sign
Completely halt what you are doing. Look North, South, East, and West for the best direction and guidance for your circumstance. Listen with both ears open and ask God to reveal His Truth and His Will and Purpose for your next step. Literally next step.
Emergency Door Exit
“He will (always) also provide the way out (the means of escape to a landing place), that you may be capable and strong and powerful to bear up under it patiently.” — 1 Corinthians 10:13
SCHOOL BUS: THIS VEHICLE STOPS AT ALL INTERSECTIONS
The school of learning in everyone’s life has many intersections where we have to stop. Stopping is not a backward motion but a time of reflection, rest, and peace.
“Be still and know that I am God.” — Psalm 46:10
The above verse can provide a place for peace and harmony at the intersections of your life. Maybe we should all take another ride on the Big Yellow School Bus, thinking about the things that God has placed in our lives to do, following His example, not man’s, but the conscience He has placed in you, giving you His best.
Praying you will consider His Words the next time you see a Big Yellow School Bus.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” — Proverbs 3:5-6
