“Life is about getting the right people on the bus and the wrong people off.”- Author unknown
Part two: (Note 187) Imagine that the wheels on your bus aren’t just moving you along a journey, but are actually creating the path of your life. What if you are the driver, in full control, and on this journey to your final destination, you’re taking all the people most dear to you? Picture this: your bus is filled with loved ones who truly understand and support you, who have been there through the best and worst of times. These are the ones who’ve helped shape who you are.
As you travel, you don’t just bring people with you. You gather along the way your most precious possessions, those things that hold deep meaning. Perhaps it’s your family albums, photographs, mementos of both challenges and triumphs, or keepsakes that remind you of important moments in your life. These symbols represent the essence of who you are, what you’ve faced, and how you’ve grown.
Looking out the window, you see the landscape of your life unfolding. Some parts are smooth and sunlit, representing moments of joy and ease—perhaps you see bright fields of flowers, or calm lakes reflecting the sky. Other parts are rugged, with steep hills and stormy skies, reminders of the challenges you’ve overcome. You pass familiar places—your childhood home, the streets where you played, the towns where you made lasting memories. You see faces of people you’ve met along the way, some who are still with you, others who have passed, all contributing to the story of your journey.
As you watch, you hear the sounds of your life as well. There’s the soft murmur of laughter and conversation from the loved ones around you. In the distance, echoes of childhood voices call your name, or you hear the familiar hum of family gatherings. When the road is smooth, the hum of the bus is steady and calming, like a peaceful rhythm that carries you. But when the road turns rough, you hear the rumble of thunder or the tapping of rain against the windows, reminding you of the storms you’ve weathered. And now and then, a favorite song drifts through the air, bringing comfort and nostalgia.
And then there’s the smell. The bus carries with it the scent of your memories—new-mown hay from those summer days on the farm, bringing back a sense of freedom, hard work, and the warmth of simpler times. You can almost feel the sun on your skin as you remember those long days spent working on the farm, the earthy aroma of freshly turned soil, the sharp, fresh scent of grass and hay swirling in the air. These smells remind you of your roots, grounding you in the earth where you first found your connection to the world and to God.
Along the journey, signs from nature appear, offering guidance and reminders of the spiritual path you’ve walked. Perhaps you see a bird soaring overhead, a symbol of freedom and faith, reminding you to trust in the unseen forces guiding you. Or a rainbow stretches across the sky after a storm, a sign of hope and the promises God has made throughout your life. The wind that brushes your face feels like a gentle whisper, a message that you are not alone, that the divine presence has been with you all along.
As the road twists and turns, these signs from nature serve as quiet nudges, urging you to pause, reflect, and recognize the spiritual journey woven through your life. The connection to God and the universe is there, as sure as the mountains in the distance and the stars in the night sky. You begin to understand that every challenge, every joy, every person you’ve encountered along the way was part of a greater plan, shaping you into who you are now.
As you move forward, these sights, sounds, smells, and spiritual signs create a rich tapestry of your life. They remind you that the journey is not just about the destination but about the soul’s growth, the faith that sustains you, and the love and presence of God in every step. With this understanding, you feel a sense of peace, knowing that you are surrounded by the love, memories, and spiritual signs that have guided you along the path.
EXERCISE:
When you create your bus to move ahead, what’s in it? How does it feel to be the driver? What is the speed you are going to get there? Are you ready to reach your final destination?
Remember, don’t act your age!