Pastor Mark Hopper

By Pastor Mark Hopper

I was traveling out of town recently, and I decided to take the bus and metro train back to the airport.  Several people had offered to help me get to the airport, but I thought I could make it on my own.

I went online and checked the bus and metro routes in my area.  The bus ran every 30 minutes and would connect me to the metro train that went to the airport. I walked with my small red suitcase to the bus stop and got there in plenty of time.  Another bus rider assured me that this was the right stop for my bus and that it came every 30 minutes.

When the bus did not come on schedule, my fellow rider was concerned.  This never happened.  The bus was very reliable.  I called the “800” number posted at the bus stop to see what was wrong and was reassured by an impersonal computer voice that my bus would be on time.

Remember, I had a plane to catch and the clock was ticking.  I called the bus line’s “800” number again and finally talked with a real person.  They informed me that there had been mechanical trouble and the next bus would arrive in half an hour.

My previous relaxed composure was gradually changing to anxiety.  Why did I take the bus?  Why didn’t I accept the offers from others to drive me to the airport?  Now I was too embarrassed to call someone for a ride.  I had already declined their offers.  Now, the clock was ticking.  This seemed like a good time to pray and ask for God’s help!

Did I mention that while I was walking to the bus stop, earlier in the morning, that an airport shuttle van had actually pulled into the neighborhood?  What are the odds that a van taking people to the airport was driving through my neighborhood while I was walking to the bus stop to get to the airport?  Was this God sending me help because He knew I was going to need it and yet I refused to recognize it?

I actually walked over to the shuttle van to ask if there was room in his van for me and how much it would cost. Yes, there was room for me, but when I heard the price I knew I could save a lot of money taking the bus and then the metro train.  Little did I know that the price (and peace of mind) of the shuttle van would be a lot less than the price and stress of possibly having to buy a new plane ticket!

While I was waiting for over an hour, the same blue airport shuttle van, with the same driver that I talked to earlier, actually drove right by my bus stop.  I am sure that the shuttle driver smiled as he recognized the stingy guy with the red suitcase.  If I had seen him coming, I would have probably waved for him to stop and rescue me.

My bus did finally arrive.  It was over an hour late.  When I tried to purchase a bus pass that would include the metro to the airport, the driver told me that the machine was broken. Not the best day to choose to ride the bus.

I did finally make it to airport and I did catch my plane, but it was close.

One thing that I learned is that there are nice people on the bus. Every person said “thank you” to the driver as they got off of the bus.  The people on the bus were grateful for the ride.  People in their cars are often grumpy, not grateful.  I also learned to be thankful for my own car and how I so often take for granted the convenience of car ownership.

I was reminded that maybe I need to be more willing to let others help me.  Why did I say “no” when people offered to take me to the airport?  Maybe I need to learn to say “yes” and “thanks” when help is available.

And, maybe I need to learn how to use Uber!