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    It was a normal morning of preparing for work and getting my daughter off to school. Normal, that is, until I heard her gasp, “My goodness! That’s the bus!” Ten minutes early. With a quick hug and “I love you” out the door she flew. The bus stop is right in front of our house, so she had no problem getting there. But, for several others, that was not the case. Only about five of the usual twelve to fifteen children were there to board the bus. That did not seem to deter the substitute driver continuing on her route.

    As the bus pulled away, I wondered about those who would arrive at the usual time, only to learn that they were really ten minutes late. And, I imagined the conversation that might have taken place a few minutes later, as the almost empty bus pulled into the bus loop at the school and began to unload.

    No doubt the driver would proudly announce to all who would listen, “I’m way ahead of schedule.”

    To which the puzzled teacher on bus duty would respond with, “Where are the kids?”

    “Oh, they weren’t at the stops,” the driver would say.

    “Where were they?” the teacher would ask.

    “Running late, I guess,” the driver would reply. “But, look at the time! Way early!”

    “Record time? Who cares? Where are the children?” the teacher would rebuke.

    “Not my problem! My job is to keep the schedule,” the driver would say as she closed the door and headed out on her next route.

    The bus driver’s conversation was strictly in my imagination. I later learned that the driver made sure the other children were picked up. But, similar dramas are presented in other areas of life on an all too regular basis.

“Where are the kids?”

    A class was taught. Information was shared. “A great discussion.” But, nothing was learned. But, no bridges were built. No relationships were established. No encouragement was felt. A “good class?” Or, “an almost empty bus?”

    A meeting was held. Decisions were made. Business was conducted. “Important issues” were debated. But, nothing happened. Nothing changed. A “good meeting?” Or, “an almost empty bus?”

    A sermon was preached. Large sections of Scripture were read and/or quoted. “Holy” language was used. No application. No connection with life. A “good sermon?” Or, “an almost empty bus?”

    A meal was prepared, served, and eaten. The Body was together. Everyone talked to those seated nearby. Everyone was stuffed. But, no friendships were built. The bond of fellowship was not felt. Few felt really satisfied. A “good meal?” Or, “an almost empty bus?”

    Though it is nothing to proud of, I have been in a few of those meetings. I have probably taught some of those classes and preached some of those sermons. I have certainly eaten some of those meals. Far too many times, I have arrived at the bus loop ahead of schedule, driving the “almost empty bus.” I have been the person who has arrived on time to preach, after passing the person in need on the road. I have made the destination in record time, but failed to enjoy the people traveling with me and missed the scenery on the way. I have felt proud as I spouted the words of wisdom, but failed miserably at listening to the one in need.

    Not only does God want us arrive at our eternal destination, but He also wants us to bring others with us. He is not as concerned about our keeping a schedule as He is about the getting His “little children” to their destination.

    Enjoy your route...and remember your purpose, Tom

© 2000, Tom Norvell. Used by permission. A Norvell Note is a weekly email message from Tom Norvell. Check it out!