“BEEP”

Just the other night my husband and I were going over “bus- safety” rules with our son. It usually seems pretty elementary and a bit repetitive doing this every year. Somehow, we decided to reenact the situations with a large toy car and an action figure. The scenes came to life, at least for me as we took the guy out of the car and had him do all of the crossing street rules. I had never really paid close attention to the rules until I saw them being played out on my living room floor. I was especially intrigued by the “BEEP” for danger warnings.

For those of you who kind of pass by this like I have, these are important rules. For instance, once the kids cross to safety to the other side of the bus, the kids have to look both ways. The bus driver is also looking both ways. (good to know) Anyway, if they hear a “BEEP” the kids have to stop! She/He has spotted a dangerous situation. The kids then have to look to the bus driver for the go ahead gesture, look both ways and proceed to the sidewalk, unless they hear the warning again.

Well, after being on buses and having kids on buses for many years, I actually saw a ”BEEP” warning being used necessarily, twice in one week. That is enough for me this year. The horn is not only for the kids’ benefit, but also for the driver’s. I witnessed that the bus driver behind that wheel is competent and lets a driver know that kids are crossing the street. Everyone involved knows it is time to stop!

There is a presence of love, yet definite authority when she/he hits that horn. The kids know that they need to freeze and the driver suddenly knows that they are about to cross a boundary that they had better not trespass. It doesn’t matter why they think they can drive ahead as usual they know beyond a shadow of a doubt that the bus driver means business. They will just have to wait and trust the driver of the bus.

Now as I type these words, tears fill my eyes. Isn’t God like this bus driver? He completely loves us and wants what’s best for us, all of us. And he is the sovereign authority that we can depend on and look to for safety and direction.

Because he has made us free will beings we have a choice to make. We can either be like these people who heeded the warning of the one in authority and obey the “BEEP” or we can do what We want to do.

If we choose not to listen to the one who can see problems arising, it is true we may only experience minor consequences. But we all know what could happen if either the children or the driver of the car refuses to listen to the bus driver. The consequences could be very tragic.

Right here I want to point out that I am basically talking about matters that could change your life or another’s life in a profound manner. I keep thinking lately that one bad choice has the potential to affect your life forever or as long as you are on this earth. We need to be careful.

Like these kids, if we’re not sure if we should proceed, we need only to look to the Lord. Whatever decision you are making, whether it’s concerning a business deal, a large purchase or a relationship. He wants you to make the right decision. Especially when making life-changing decisions, we need His guidance.
.
The Lord alone knows our future. He gave us understanding or common sense to make decisions. He gave us the Bible to provide answers so that we can make good sound decisions. He gave us His Holy Spirit to bear witness to truth. He even gave us a conscience so that we can know when something isn’t right. The Bible says “There is safety in a multitude of counselors”. We need to listen to the Godly leaders and even the friends that love us and have wisdom to help us!

So, have we prayed diligently until we know that we Know that we have God’s leading? Have we read God’s Word to find out what he might have to say about it? Have we been listening to the people God has put in our lives? Are these people honking their horns or are they putting up their go ahead all is clear signal? What about our consciences, are they waving their hands, doing everything they know to do to get us to at least look both ways?

If uncertainty sets in about something, for me that has usually been a signal that there is a better way, keep praying, be patient, or just plain stop! A wise young pastor once told my husband and me, if you’re not sure about doing something, “don’t do anything”. It saved us from making a huge costly mistake. On top of that, we would have moved to Virginia only to have to pack our bags months later and return home where we belonged. Not my idea of fun!

Is something screaming “BEEP” when we’re trying to go forward? Maybe we need to stop and look to the Lord. Honest, God really loves you. He wants to help us cross safely with a go ahead signal and His blessings. From my: