Where are the Brakes on This Thing?
An unusual bus driver in unusual circumstances can make a big difference!
We had just arrived at Fort Walsh National Historic Site, in Saskatchewan,
Canada, which in years gone by served as the first training centre for the Royal
Canadian Mounted Police, then known as the North West Mounted Police. It was
also the site of what became known in the history books as the Cypress Hills
Massacre, the sad event that motivated the newly-formed Canadian Government to
form the police force and send it west!
After having driven for hours through totally flat prairie lands, we were amazed
to suddenly find ourselves surrounded by hills, some of them quite steep! Due to
extreme fire danger, cars were not allowed to actually drive down to the
historical sites and as we parked our van in the designated area, we couldn't
help but wonder how we would reach our destination. It would have been a long
walk up and down steep precipices in the best of times, but the heat and high
humidity made the prospect of such a hike quite unpleasant.
We were relieved to discover that a school bus would take us to the old fort,
and that its driver would be our guide. But our relief was short-lived. When all
the passengers were aboard this yellow driving device, the driver looked up at
us, a puzzled expression on his face, and said: "Where are the brakes on this
thing?"
Not too comforting considering the circumstances!
"I am so sorry," he continued. "The regular driver called in sick. Today is my
first day to drive this vehicle!"
I wondered if I should insist on a refund, but it was too late. The driver had
inconsiderately started the bus and was driving us up a tall monster called a
mountainous hill.
Once on the top he halted, so that he could show us the steep road leading down
to the site of the massacre. "Look at that monstrous descent!" He exclaimed. "I
wonder if we will make it?"
Would we be joining the victims of this massacre as well? But before any of us
could protest, he was off. We were horrified when he insisted on narrating the
events leading to the above-mentioned massacre while making the descent. But
what was even worse was that he couldn't seem to talk without using his hands:
both of them! He must have been Italian or something because his hands never
left the air and the poor steering wheel was seriously neglected.
"Euh . . ," my youngest son called out from the back of the bus, "can I see your
driver's license please?"
"Who needs a driver's license!" He called out. "Hopefully I passed my test this
time. I'm waiting for the results! But if you're afraid, just close your eyes.
It works for me!"
In reality we enjoyed the experience. The driver's whit kept us laughing so hard
that we were left panting. What he lacked in driving skills, he made up for with
his invaluable knowledge of the area's history. He was skilled in making the
past come alive while keeping us on the edge of our seats. Literally. What could
have been a dull experience was brought alive by his sense of humor.
We would later discover that during the school year, he was employed as a school
bus driver. I envied the kids who had the privilege of riding on his bus, and I
am sure teachers love him. When a child comes to school smiling, discipline will
tend to be at an all-time low!
Hardships are always less difficult with a smile on our lips. Deadlines are less
stressful when one can find joy in a situation. Family differences are much more
quickly righted when smiles are shared. In fact, the apostle Paul says: "Rejoice
in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!" (Phil 4:4 NIV). And later, he
elaborated on the positive results of being joyful in the Lord: "Do not be
anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with
thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which
transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ
Jesus." (Phil 4:6-7 NIV)
Why worry when we have such a caring Heavenly Father? He is the One who will
fill us with inner peace, no matter the circumstances.
Paul concluded: "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble,
whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is
admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things."
(Phil 4:8 NIV) By concentrating on such thoughts, we can't help but be joyful in
the Lord. So, let us "Be joyful always!" (1 Thess 5:16 NIV)
Abominable precipices? Nah! Nothing to worry about! Let's face them with a smile
on our lips. Daddy is at the steering wheel.
Rob Chaffart