I am a Christian dad and grandfather. I drive a school bus each weekday for about 42 wonderful kids, ok truth be told, 40 wonderful kids and 2 that God has given me to test my patience. I love all of them. I am the first face of the school district they see each morning. I am also the last face of the school district they see as they exit my bus. I make sure I give them a smile even if it is under my facemask. I say “hello” to them and “good morning” along with saying their names. People love hearing their name just like Jesus does. I will get a smile back under their mask because I can see it in their eyes.
I drive my bus under the speed limit to give me that extra second to react to traffic if I need it. I am blessed to have this job. I love being around kids. They are a blessing to me, and they make me laugh all the time. They have the corniest jokes, but I still laugh. I teach them respect for each other and for me. I teach them not to use God’s name flippantly. I don’t allow them to tell each other to “shut up”. I make them ride the bus safely because they are America’s most precious cargo. It is my responsibility to keep them safe. Their parents entrust me to take them to school and return them safely. I take my job profoundly seriously, and I would be considered a strict bus driver. Because of this the kids respect me because I love and care so much for their safety.
This Friday I will complete 11 years of driving the school bus. I have never been involved in a motor vehicle accident in driving for the past 48 years. Sadly, very few people apply for this job. It can be stressful and rewarding at the same time. You must love kids first and foremost. The drivers are drug tested and background checked often. We do our very best to be safe drivers at all times. I will continue to do this job if my health and God allows me to. God loves the little children.
When I tell people I am a school bus driver they often times say, “you’re a Saint”. No, I am just a Christian man that loves kids and wants to make sure that they know they are loved and protected because I know if Jesus was their driver that is what he would do.
“He said to them, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.’ And he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them.” Matt. 19:14
Have an awesome summer with all your kids.
