This week, Debby, Brett, Josh and I got to spend some time in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. We have been afforded the opportunity to learn about the history of the area and to attend the ISTE conference where we have gained knowledge that will assist us in preparing students for a world that does not exist yet. The experience itself has been amazing! As with all experiences that require a change of culture, though, there are challenges. We were astonished at the incessant honking of horns, the sheer volume when people talk to each other, the condition of our 1.7 rated hotel and most importantly the $24 parking fee each time you park your car. On day three Debby and I knew we needed a Plan B for parking. It was breaking the bank, so we decided to take the public transportation system (aka the city bus).
We walked several blocks from our hotel and boarded a bus, where we were surprisingly greeted by the most precious, most kind bus driver ever. He was such a warm and welcoming man. He gave us a free round trip bus ride, made sure we were comfortable, alleviated our frustrations and even insisted that we take a fist full of Dum Dum suckers just to make us smile. What a refreshing change from fighting the Philly traffic and paying the outrageous parking fees! It was a gift, but with any gift comes the obligation to pay it forward. "To whom much is given, much is required." We would have the opportunity before the night would end.
As Debby and I re-boarded the same bus with our same precious bus driver, we were delighted to see that he was still looking out for us. He would take us from our yummy dinner at Cheesecake Factory back to our somewhat sad hotel. Through the ride, he continued to help us by anticipating questions we might have. He asked if we wanted to board another bus in order to take a shorter route home, or if we wanted to stay with him but take a longer ride home. We opted for the later. You could tell he was pleased. This was all as it should be, in my opinion.
During the long ride home, Debby and I sat together chatting, laughing and relishing the moment. It was in this moment that the bus made a stop. Passengers boarded. The bus began to slowly move, but at that moment, I saw a frail aged hand knocking on the window of the bus as we were creeping away. Passengers yelled to our bus driver to stop. We had another passenger who needed to board, but he wasn't quite fast enough. Our compassionate bus driver stopped the bus to let this lucky person board.
When he boarded, he was a sight to behold. He was frail, and old. His little, dimly lit eyes were sunken into his head. He desperately needed a hair cut and a shave. His shoulders were hunched forward. He had no teeth, so his mouth was slightly opened and his cheeks were also very concave. His clothes were hanging from his body in need of a larger frame. He tried to smile as he laboriously worked his way to a seat. When he finally found one, he asked if he could sit in the window seat beside a young woman. She rudely got up and gave him both seats.
In the moment, my heart sunk. I could not hold back the tears. Against my will they fell down my cheeks and dropped to my lap. I tried to hide my face so that other couldn't see. Debby fetched a napkin quickly, and said, "He's okay, Lisa. He has a seat." Through the course of the ride, I would turn and look at him. He was so tired and looked so lonely.
The bus began to fill quickly. Soon there was standing room only, and every seat was filled---even the one beside the old man. Eventually a young mother with an almost two year little boy boarded. She stood in front of me. I am all too familiar with the difficulties of trying to keep a toddler still in a small space for a lengthy amount of time---especially when you're tired and on a moving bus. I asked her if she would like my seat, so she could hold her baby with more ease. She gratefully accepted, and Debby began to assist her and engage her in conversation that she no doubt found pleasant. I stood beside them where I could occasionally glance at the old man. My heart continued to be drawn to him.
Finally there was a seat available...and guess where? Beside the man to whom my heart was so drawn. I scooped up the seat beside him. His head was resting on the seat in front of him. He was slightly asleep. I watched him for awhile. I saw a name badge. I could tell his first name was Joseph and his last name was one that is held by many of the Jewish faith. I gently said, "Joseph?" He looked up at me with those precious brown eyes where I could now see a slight sparkle. He said, "Yes. How did you know my name." I said, "Lucky guess, I suppose", and I winked at him. We began to talk. I found out he had a twin sister that died of tuberculosis. I told him I have a twin brother. He was in and out of foster homes due to a mother who was an alcoholic and a father who was basically absent. His mom was Jewish. His father was Greek (His words). He had traveled to North Carolina where he worked a traveling carnival. He receives nursing care three times a day for emphysema and lung cancer that is the result of being exposed to asbestos. He said he wouldn't wish his health problems on anyone. He is 78, but I know that he will be 79 at some point this year, because he was born in 1936. He shared so many things. He even showed me a book he said he bought for $20 that day. It was on wellness, and he had me to read him the synopsis from the back of the book. He listened intently, and I enjoyed every moment. He further told me he had never been married, but longed for a family. At one point, he even jokingly proposed to Debby. It was as debonair as any impromptu bus marriage proposal could be! We came to his stop, but he was enjoying the conversation so much that he forfeited his bus stop in order to stay a little longer to talk with Debby and me. He said he would get off when the bus circled back around again. I was touched!
Finally, it was time for Debby and me to exit. As we were exiting, I was able to tell Joseph that I didn't think it was an accident that we met. I told him I believed he was much loved! I told him I believed that Jesus loves him very much, and I believe Jesus hears Joseph every time he prays. Joseph told me that each night he gets on his knees and prays for one more day. I told him I believe God honors Joseph's prayers. I shook Joseph's hand and rubbed his shoulders as we were exiting. I told him it was an honor to meet him. Joseph smiled such a big smile before we left. He said, "You took a chance, and you got my name right." His grin was from ear to ear. I didn't have the heart to tell him I saw it on his name badge; but do I think that was an accident? Not a chance! Do I think it was happenstance that we rode a bus with a longer route where sweet Joseph almost missed the bus, but somehow made it? Do I think it was an accident that that precious little mama needed my seat? Again, not a chance.
It was nothing, but it was something. In the scheme of things it was everything. It was love, and love never fails. It is the only thing that will remain. The bus driver showed Debby and me love. We loved a little mama who needed a seat for her and her baby. This simple act afforded us an opportunity to love Joseph who in turn loved us right back. We left him better than we found him. It was nothing! It was something! It was everything!
Thank you Lord, for always aligning our steps. Thank you for creating Divine opportunities where we can love someone who needs to be loved. We are grateful that you store such greatness in simple earthen vessels.
New International Version
But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. Corinthians 4:7
Our Sweet Bus Driver Who Took a Chance on Two Steele Magnolias!
This will be a sweet memory for the rest of my life. I love you Lisa Montgomery, and I love that you never miss an opportunity to witness to those that are lucky and blessed enough to be in your presence.
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