For the majority of my formal education years, I rode the bus to school. Until my brother and sister were old enough to join me, I would meet the "yellow beast" at the end of the lane every morning and after being dropped off in the late afternoon, I would walk the rest of the way home where a snack would be awaiting me. The journey to and from school was predictable, the route hardly ever changed during the course of the school year. However, the beginning of a school year may mean a variation in the northern Alma route, and that was only caused if the youngest bus rider in the family graduated or if the oldest child in the family was old enough to report to school.

Those daily bus trips to and from school have provided a lot of memories: the giant junior and senior men, who had the power to intimidate little first and second graders; writing messages on the fog covered windows; singing with the songs being played on WHB; bouncing around on rut filled gravel roads; getting stuck in a snow drift; and just making relationships with fellow riders.

For several years two stories have intrigued me that center around a God-directed ride. Each talk about chariots, the first mentions a chariot of fire (2 Kings 2: 1-18), and in the other story the chariot is used as a classroom (Acts 8: 26-40). I'm mesmerized by the prophets Elijah and Elisha, as Elijah awaits for the adventure that will take him face to face with his Creator. Elijah, taken to heaven in a whirlwind, was separated from Elisha by the horses of fire. I wonder if he continues to take chariot rides in heaven…perhaps offering to take others with him as the horses of fire dance and prance through the city gates.

The other story talks about Philip who assisted the Ethiopian eunuch in understanding a portion of Isaiah. After he understood the simile of a lamb being led to slaughter and the significance that plays in our Christian life, he asked to be baptized. Immediately after his baptism, Philip was "transported" to another town, where he continued to serve God.

Philip and Elijah both participated in miraculous rides that took them from one location to another without either having to prepare a checklist of things to ensure that the trip would be safe and comfortable. They both rested firmly in the knowledge that God had everything under control. They could enjoy the ride knowing that the "chauffeur" would see that their ride was safe and hazard free.

Our daily ride on earth isn't filled with chariots that whisk us away from problems or those important life changing decisions, nor is it always predictable. But God is willing to be the "chauffeur," anxious to hear what our thoughts are, but more importantly, seeking His direction on what path to take. He is there to help us overcome the speed bumps and ruts along the path, opening doors to assist us on the path He has set for us.

So friends, enjoy the ride, the ride of being taken to situations that are not always comfortable, but are filled with opportunities to reflect on God's love, grace, and peace that have not changed since the beginning of time. And remember, He won't take you anywhere that you and He together can't handle.

Enjoying the ride,

Jane