Someone said that you can tell if someone is a bus driver if they get in the family car and yell, “Sit down. Be quiet!” Seriously though, rule one is SIT DOWN AND BE QUIET. To be transported safely, students are expected to keep their seat and talk quietly. Sometimes we are like some students who don’t want to sit down or be quiet. God wants to speak to us, but how can we hear Him if we won’t sit before Him and listen? David declared, “The Lord is my Shepherd . . . He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul” (Psalm 23:1-3). To enjoy the journey, sit down and be quiet before the Lord. (Isaiah 30:15) Of course some people don’t want to hear God.

Sisters Mary and Martha were opposites. Martha was busy about many things. Mary sat at Jesus’ feet listening to his teaching. Jesus said that Mary had discovered the one thing that was needful – the one thing that couldn’t be taken from her. (Luke 10:38-42)

Rule two – KEEP YOUR HANDS IN THE BUS and KEEP THEM TO YOURSELF. It could be disastrous to stick your arm or head out the window. To keep your hands to yourself generates peace and harmony. Paul said some adults are like children who get into other people’s business and stir up strife. (II Thessalonians 3:22; II Timothy 5:13) It’s dangerous to put your hands and heads where they don’t belong. We “reap what we sow” (Galatians 6:7-8).

Rule three – BE KIND and COURTEOUS. Jesus gave us the golden rule, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” “Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Leviticus 19:18; Matthew 19:19; 5:43-45) When people are rude or unkind to us, we tend to respond in like manner. But we don’t know what they are going through. Perhaps they are having a bad day. A kind word could make their day. I noticed that many students acted up or acted out because of what was going on at home. They needed someone to care.

I tried to learn each students name within a few weeks of school starting. Each individual is a unique creation of God that Jesus loved enough to die on the cross for. (John 3:16; Romans 5:8) Find something to compliment or affirm a person for. All people need affirmation and it will make your journey more joyful.

Recently I was speaking at a prison church service. A young man came up to me after the service. “Do you remember me? I used to ride your school bus. I made some mistakes and now I’m here.” “We all make mistakes,” I said. “But Jesus died on the cross for our mistakes and sins. He offers forgiveness, a new life, and eternity in heaven if we receive Him as our Savior and Lord. Is there any good reason why you can’t pray with me and receive the New Life Christ Jesus has for you?” The young man prayed with me and left with peace and joy in his heart. God showers us with mercy and loving kindness. We must then forgive and show kindness and courtesy to others.

Rule four – ENJOY THE TRIP. We either dread it or decide to enjoy the journey. Enjoy the scenery. Be a friend. Humor will help. (Proverbs 17:22) One night, when I was undergoing chemotherapy, all of my hair fell out. The next day my students asked what happened to my hair. I told them, jokingly, that I became so frustrated on the bus the day before that I pulled out all my hair. I could either cry or laugh. I chose to laugh.

Enthusiasm is contagious. We can choose to be happy or not, to appreciate today or not. Enjoy the journey. We all have problems. But be thankful for what God has done. “Give thanks in all things” (I Thessalonians 5:18). “Rejoice in the Lord always” (Philippians 4:4). “The joy of the Lord is your strength” (Nehemiah 8:10). Don’t allow the enemy to steal your joy. Smile! It will affect your health and those around you. “Have a good day,” I told my students. It is a choice we make regardless of the circumstances.

The source of true joy is a daily relationship with Jesus Christ. “With joy will you drink deeply from the fountain of salvation!” (Isaiah 12:2-5) Jesus invites you to come to the source of joy. “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If any man hears my voice and opens unto me, I will come into him and sup with him and he with me” (Revelation 3:20). Invite Jesus Christ into your heart today.

Perhaps you have never driven or ridden on a big yellow bus. I hope when you see one you will remember some of the lessons on life’s journey. And pray for the bus driver and students. Who knows it could be me.