The Shuttle Party

Over the past several years, I have made a lot of trips to San Diego to see the kids. I have never enjoyed a Shuttle ride as much as last Wednesday. Little did I realize as I left the airport in Phoenix that I was going home party style!

I liked the driver of the mini bus instantly. She was an attractive middle-aged gal donning a pair of jeans and a white shirt, classic style, my favorite. Her blond hair and skin were dry which is what I contend with in this hot climate. I felt at home! She was a friendly gal, quickly learning the names of all seven of us ladies, heading north to Sedona. She passed bottles of water to each of us; after all, it's Phoenix! I admired her openness about some of her driving challenges along the way and I particularly liked the pleasant way she solved problems that came along. Her upbeat personality won me over and interruptions did not disturb her. Once we got out of the city and turned north on the interstate jaunt, she turned up the radio and a sixties station blasted through our mini bus. The Beach Boys sang "Good Vibrations". It seemed to dictate the mood. Roy Orbison belted out "Oh, Pretty Woman!" By the time Martha and the Vandellas sang "Dancing in the Street," we all joined in. She joked about being the shuttle driver who includes Karaoke in her vehicle. Except for the young, pretty Asian woman sleeping across the aisle from me, we all were on a music high and laughing!

Then this happened: We rolled to a stop at the intersection; we were first in line at the red light. A homeless man with a sign sat just below the driver's door. She lowered her window and reached over for a bill in her purse and gave it to him. She talked to him a little bit, and then tossed him a bottle of water. The stoplight had changed, but she still hunted for another bill and gave it to him. I was too far back to hear the details she shared, but it didn't matter. I was impressed with her generosity and the way she helped others, without judging.

I sat quietly thinking about the importance of loving people and helping them. I thought about my job and wondered if I bring that much joy to people I meet on a daily basis and if I handle interruptions that well in the course of my day. Colossians 3:23 came to mind: Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.

What kind of shuttle driver would Jesus be? Wow. He loves people. He has plenty to say about the poor and downhearted. I bet His attitude would be upbeat too. Our driver was like that, cheerfully willing to serve. Her behavior was a sermon in action, and my drive home that day was an eye opener.

This post links to What’s On Your Heart Tuesday and Tell Me a Story both located on my sidebar.