Painting by Amos Sewell (1901-1983) | Rowdy Bus Ride

Troubling thoughts kept me awake in the wee hours of the morning, Father. But I found comfort in You. May You continue to shine brighter than anything that tries to stand between us. Amen.
Luke 9:28-36 (<<click to read the passage)
It was announced today, as we continue our battle against this pandemic, that K-12 students in Ohio will not be returning to the classroom this school year but will continue learning from home, the best they can, with teachers helping both students and parents however possible.
I am still delivering meals, to families requesting them, every day that school would be in session. But admittedly it is not the same. Reactions on Facebook have been everywhere from crying to rejoicing. I am not on either end of that spectrum, but I am definitely less joyful, and I do feel the loss a bit more poignantly. Truly, I enjoy my job and being that they interact with me more, I miss my elementary kids most of all.
No matter how much I enjoy my time with them, it has its challenges. The biggest challenge each day is just getting them to listen. Some, I am sure, clearly hear every word I say. For others, it depends on what they are doing or what others around them are doing.
One thing I do frequently to get their attention is to turn the interior lights of my bus on. When I do that, everyone is to stop talking (or yelling, as the case may be!). I am proud of the fact that, overall, my kids are pretty attentive to that visual and even if they don’t see it right away others around them are quick to point it out with lots of “shushes” going around.
Listening is one of the most important things they must do. Whether its commands to remain in their seats or making them aware of the inclement weather around us and the need for them to be quiet so I can concentrate more on the roads and less on them, listening is a must!
But listening is just part of what must happen. I can talk until I’m hoarse, but it is useless if they don’t obey my commands. I don’t just talk to talk; they have to do what I tell them – for their safety and mine.
Ultimately, though, it is their choice, but it truly is in their best interest to yield to me, their driver.
Today’s passage from Luke 9, has Peter, James, and John accompanying Jesus up a mountain to pray. Of course, they fell asleep (not that I have ever done that! Yeah, right!) and when they awoke there Jesus wasn’t alone – Moses and Elijah were speaking with Him! In moments those two were gone and a cloud enveloped them, and a voice boomed from out of the cloud, saying, “This is My beloved Son, My Chosen One; listen and obey and yield to Him!” v35
That command wasn’t just for Peter, James, and John…it was for us, too. Listening to Jesus is one of the most important things we must do, but if we don’t obey, it’s useless. Ultimately it is our choice, but it is in our best interest to yield to His guidance for our lives. Amen! (And just a little FYI, “Amen” does mean, so be it!)

Apr 20th, 2020, Mon, 7:25 pm