Today, I took the "happy" driver's bus. As I got on the bus, he welcomed me with his usual chit-chat just as he does with everybody who gets on his bus. He was always so happy and always had something sweet or encouraging to say to someone...no matter how early it was. Because of that, I guess I assumed he had to have a close to perfect life. Well, today I was proven wrong.
During my ride to school, the "happy" bus driver started talking to this older white guy who happened to ask him about his wife. He answered jokingly with so much love in his voice: "She hasn't kicked me out yet" and again I thought; he must be married to the perfect woman. And then he talked some more. The "happy" bus driver talked about his wife's stroke, how it caused her blindness and how she was recently diagnosed with diabetes. He talked about his mother's dialysis and two of his aunts who are also sick. At the end of it all he gave thanks for the fact that he is able to take care of all of them. He talked about the Lord, about how the world will be a much better place if we could all think "us" instead of "me". " The paycheck I get at the end of every week is not mine, but ours.", were his words. I am telling you, this older black American man might have just changed my life. Who knew a bus driver will impart so much wisdom upon my life?
The "happy" bus driver does not have a six figure income, he does not have a healthy and fit wife, but he loves the Lord and he loves his family. That is why his joy is so genuine and radiates from him even if you are around him for just a second. He mentioned his oldest son being 37 years old and I was shocked! He doesn't even look old enough to father someone that old. Joy is the ultimate key to continuous youthfulness, I tell you.
Most of us in this man's shoes will be angry with God and the rest of the world. We will justify our complaining and depression with the fact that we got "so much" going on. It is so ironic that just last night I read an article in the latest Joyce Meyer's magazine talking of how we are the ones who chose to be happy or not. Our happiness is never dependent on the people or circumstances that surround us. So guys, let us strive to be content in our various situations and by God's grace live happy lives!
During my ride to school, the "happy" bus driver started talking to this older white guy who happened to ask him about his wife. He answered jokingly with so much love in his voice: "She hasn't kicked me out yet" and again I thought; he must be married to the perfect woman. And then he talked some more. The "happy" bus driver talked about his wife's stroke, how it caused her blindness and how she was recently diagnosed with diabetes. He talked about his mother's dialysis and two of his aunts who are also sick. At the end of it all he gave thanks for the fact that he is able to take care of all of them. He talked about the Lord, about how the world will be a much better place if we could all think "us" instead of "me". " The paycheck I get at the end of every week is not mine, but ours.", were his words. I am telling you, this older black American man might have just changed my life. Who knew a bus driver will impart so much wisdom upon my life?
The "happy" bus driver does not have a six figure income, he does not have a healthy and fit wife, but he loves the Lord and he loves his family. That is why his joy is so genuine and radiates from him even if you are around him for just a second. He mentioned his oldest son being 37 years old and I was shocked! He doesn't even look old enough to father someone that old. Joy is the ultimate key to continuous youthfulness, I tell you.
Most of us in this man's shoes will be angry with God and the rest of the world. We will justify our complaining and depression with the fact that we got "so much" going on. It is so ironic that just last night I read an article in the latest Joyce Meyer's magazine talking of how we are the ones who chose to be happy or not. Our happiness is never dependent on the people or circumstances that surround us. So guys, let us strive to be content in our various situations and by God's grace live happy lives!
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