In the spring of 2023, Phil and I decided that we would take a Christmas cruise. Working with our travel agent we booked and paid for the MSC cruise over the remaining nine months of 2023.
The big day came in December and we cruised from the bustling Port of Miami to the tourist trap Bahamas ,to the historic city of San Juan, Puerto Rico. Then on to the white sandy beaches of Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic. From there we headed back toward Miami stopping at the MSC manmade island called Ocean Cay. Finally we arrived back to the non-stop busyness of the Port of Miami! Whew! There are definitely some pros and cons of taking a cruise at Christmas time and I will save that for another blog.
If you have ever traveled anywhere, gone out to dinner, gotten a haircut, had your nails done or your car washed you know that, on land or at sea, gratuities are not mandatory, but greatly appreciated and sometime expected. As I reflected on the entire week, what brought me joy, what fascinated me, what irked me, what made me laugh; what made me think about the New Year less than 48 hours ahead of me, one saying arose to the the forefront, "Don't forget your driver"
The portly and entertaining tour bus driver that transported hoards of us from the MSC cruise terminal to Miami International Airport repeatedly reminded us to NOT forget to show our appreciation for him( via tipping) "Don't forget your driver" he chimed after he had dished out multiple instructions, advice, directions, and warnings.
His first instruction was to stay on the bus until he told us to get off. He needed to get all of our bags off first. Secondly, he sternly warned us to watch our steps as we got off the bus so that we would not stumble or fall. Thirdly, our driver gently cautioned us to take all of our personal belongings with us; cell phones, book bags, hats and gifts. Next, he wisely instructed us to go inside the terminal, catch the elevator to the second floor for check in. Lastly, unashamedly, he repeated, "Don't forget your driver"
Phil and I secretly laughed at the tour bus driver's frequent and persistent reminders and my thoughts turned to God. Our drivers words struck me as a metaphor for the Christian life, God being the complete and perfect Driver of my life."Don't forget your driver"
Much like our tenacious bus driver, God lovingly, consistently and passionately gives us instructions, advice, directions and warnings to help us live this Christian life faithfully, authentically, and genuinely.
God instructs us to stay on the bus until he tells us to get off. In other words, God asked us to let God lead. We are to stay put, make no rash decisions, no hasty moves. Our task is to pray, seek God's wisdom and follow God's lead. Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us to acknowledge God in all that we do and God will make our paths straight.
God also warns us to watch our steps, how and where we walk, so that we will not unnecessarily stumble or fall. Blessed is the person who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path that sinners take" Psalm 1:1
Thirdly, same as our in-person driver, God gently reminds us to pay attention and to gather up the things that really matter in life. "Our lives do not consist in the abundance of the THINGS that we possess." Luke 12:15.
Our driver wisely instructed us to circumvent the long lines outside the airport terminal and instead to go inside the terminal, catch the elevator to the second floor for check in. Likewise, God gives us navigation tools from God's Word so that we may spiritually navigate around the joyless crowds of life. "My child, hear the instruction of your father and do not forsake the law of your mother." Proverbs 1:8-9
Lastly, and unashamedly, the bus driver repeated, "Don't forget your driver".
Phil and I both gave our happy bus driver a nice gratuity for safely getting us back to the Miami International Airport to begin our three hour journey back to New Jersey one day before New Year Eve. And I quietly thanked God for using the tour bus driver to remind me to never forget my Driver, the Alpha and Omega of my life; to daily praise and honor my God who daily loads me with benefits! Unbeknownst to him, our bus driver's words made a great New Year's sermon!
"I will remember the works of the LORD; Surely I will remember Your wonders of old. I will meditate on all Your work, and talk of Your deeds." Psalm 77:11-12
Rev. Dr. Betty J. Tom
Loved by God
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