Not too long ago a son and his family moved from Utah to Texas. I was anxious to see them in their new habitat but I live in Oregon. During their time in Utah, a visit required a fairly uncomplicated drive of about twelve hours. The trip to Texas required a lot more.
I pondered all the options- driving, flying or riding a bus. Driving was the most expensive choice. Flying needed someone available to make the six hour round trip twice to the airport. Bussing, however, was cost efficient and convenient. I had never traveled by bus. The idea appealed to me- I could see the country, meet new people, share Grandma stories, etc. It would be an adventure!
I excitedly prepared and packed everything I thought I might need. Eye mask, ear plugs, pillow and blanket for sleeping, food, drink, meds and vitamins for health, book, scriptures and a word puzzle to stave off the boredom of inactivity, I was ready to go. I even had a few small gifts for my grandchildren.
My husband and I were at the bus stop by 2:30am waiting for my first bus. I looked at the others waiting. I swallowed hard and thought, “What was I thinking?! I’m going to be all alone. These people look scary.” I panicked.
My husband put me on the bus and waved good-bye. I walked down the aisle and back again waiting for someone to move over to let me sit. No one did. I felt like Forrest Gump on his first day of school! I noticed that there was only one other woman aboard. GULP!!
On my second time down the aisle someone kindly made room for me. I sat, the light went out and I fought back the tears that were threatening to erupt. I poured my heart out to my Heavenly Father and asked for whatever help he could send me. I felt so all alone and scared in the midst of all these strangers. How was I going to cope with these feelings for 3 days?
I didn’t have to. I was taught a beautiful lesson. The Spirit whispered, “Be yourself. Be a light. Just do what you would do in any other situation.” In short, live the gospel.
I made eye contact and smiled at my fellow passengers. I spoke softly and apologetically when someone wanted to “get all up in my face” about my bumping into them. I held a baby so mom could use the toilet. I collected trash from fellow passengers with my handy dandy trash bag. My eyes were opened to so many little acts of service. I gave my puzzle book to someone going even farther than I and my grandchildren’s toys to a restless toddler, etc.
And I realized that I was no longer “among strangers in a strange land” but among brothers and sisters. I also noticed the subtle change in those around me. The atmosphere lightened up. It was as if we were all looking out for each other instead of just ourselves. I gave others the chance to serve me as I asked for directions and information about changing buses and other unknowns. The lessons I learned (again) are the gospel works anytime, anywhere, in any situation and that I have a loving Father in Heaven who cares about sparrows and frightened grandmothers as well as all his other children. That’s the view from my side of the street, what’s yours?
I pondered all the options- driving, flying or riding a bus. Driving was the most expensive choice. Flying needed someone available to make the six hour round trip twice to the airport. Bussing, however, was cost efficient and convenient. I had never traveled by bus. The idea appealed to me- I could see the country, meet new people, share Grandma stories, etc. It would be an adventure!
I excitedly prepared and packed everything I thought I might need. Eye mask, ear plugs, pillow and blanket for sleeping, food, drink, meds and vitamins for health, book, scriptures and a word puzzle to stave off the boredom of inactivity, I was ready to go. I even had a few small gifts for my grandchildren.
My husband and I were at the bus stop by 2:30am waiting for my first bus. I looked at the others waiting. I swallowed hard and thought, “What was I thinking?! I’m going to be all alone. These people look scary.” I panicked.
My husband put me on the bus and waved good-bye. I walked down the aisle and back again waiting for someone to move over to let me sit. No one did. I felt like Forrest Gump on his first day of school! I noticed that there was only one other woman aboard. GULP!!
On my second time down the aisle someone kindly made room for me. I sat, the light went out and I fought back the tears that were threatening to erupt. I poured my heart out to my Heavenly Father and asked for whatever help he could send me. I felt so all alone and scared in the midst of all these strangers. How was I going to cope with these feelings for 3 days?
I didn’t have to. I was taught a beautiful lesson. The Spirit whispered, “Be yourself. Be a light. Just do what you would do in any other situation.” In short, live the gospel.
I made eye contact and smiled at my fellow passengers. I spoke softly and apologetically when someone wanted to “get all up in my face” about my bumping into them. I held a baby so mom could use the toilet. I collected trash from fellow passengers with my handy dandy trash bag. My eyes were opened to so many little acts of service. I gave my puzzle book to someone going even farther than I and my grandchildren’s toys to a restless toddler, etc.
And I realized that I was no longer “among strangers in a strange land” but among brothers and sisters. I also noticed the subtle change in those around me. The atmosphere lightened up. It was as if we were all looking out for each other instead of just ourselves. I gave others the chance to serve me as I asked for directions and information about changing buses and other unknowns. The lessons I learned (again) are the gospel works anytime, anywhere, in any situation and that I have a loving Father in Heaven who cares about sparrows and frightened grandmothers as well as all his other children. That’s the view from my side of the street, what’s yours?
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