Some years ago, Luke and I decided to take a day trip to Durham. I fancied having a look round the Cathedral as you do! Not knowing where the car parks are, decided to use the park and ride.
We took our seats at the back of the bus, and we watched as people got on and off. I remember thinking as the bus trundled along, “Durham really is a beautiful place. “
The stops came and went. Every time the bus pulled alongside another curb, Luke and I would look at each other and one of us would ask, “Do you think we should get off here?”. For fear of getting off in the wrong place we decided it was just best to stay put.
And so it was that we were still sitting there an hour later when the bus pulled into the bus…garage?! The driver stood up, switched off the engine and left. Honestly, he just got off! No eye contact was made. Not a word was said!
Luke and I just looked at each other! What plonkers! I remember stating the obvious, “We should have got off earlier!” Would we ever see home again!
Thankfully fifteen minutes or so later another driver appeared. He opened the door, turned to us and just grinned! I cannot remember the exact conversation, but I do recall him saying that if we moved to the front, he would tell us when we needed to get off.
I have never forgotten that journey. Sometimes we just have to be brave and get off! That’s the truth of it!
A Prayer
Lord God, sometimes we look back and realize we didn’t get off the bus at the right stop.
We missed the moment to turn, to listen, to choose differently,
and now we find ourselves farther from where we meant to be.
Yet You are with us even here.
You are not surprised by our detours or delayed by our mistakes.
If we have gone past where You were calling us to step off,
give us the humility to admit it and the courage to stop now.
Show us the next right stop—
the place of repentance, healing, and obedience.
Thank You that Your grace allows new beginnings,
that no distance is too far for You to redeem.
Help us trust that even when we’ve missed a turn,
You can still lead us home.
Teach us to listen more closely,
to move when You say move,
and to step off when You say “this is the way.”
We place our journey back into Your hands.
In Jesus’ name, Amen