I Missed The Bus

Sometimes when we do not have some things, nay, people, opportunities, or when what seemed like it was perfect walks away from us, we feel disappointed. It is human. But if we wait just a little while, we will see that something better is on the way. HE is never too late.

When I am away from my location, I usually get very nice treatment.

On this beautiful morning, I prepared to go to the passport office in Lagos. I asked my office for a driver by 7a.m. Based on past experience, I was assured that driver will be there on time. I was busy taking my time with make-up when I heard the sound of our company’s mini-bus drive in. I looked at my watch. 7a.m. on the dot. I rushed down to ask the driver to give me 5 more minutes to finish make-up and get dressed, but when I got down, he was no where to be seen. I relaxed and continued with make-up.

4 minutes later, I heard the bus driving off. Gosh! I clutched tightly my unbuttoned blouse and almost twisted my ankle as I sped down the stairs with my high heel shoes. My intention was to stop the driver at least at the gate. By the time I reached the gate, I could see the driver zooming off. No matter how loud I shouted, the driver could not hear me – thanks to AC’ed buses. I felt disappointed.

Sometimes we struggle to keep "it" from going away, using the most of what we have.

There was a gateman who saw me running, shouting and beckoning yet did not help me stop the driver. To add salt and pepper to my disappointment, the gateman calmly said, “5 after 7, the guy is gone. He does not wait for anyone. This bus is not for you...”
“What!” I exclaimed in annoyance.
“It was not meant for you”.

I slowly started walking back to my room, swallowing a sigh and blaming myself.

Sometimes, when "it" goes away, we wallow in regret.

I tried to look at the brighter side to it. I had more time to continue dressing up:-). I was about calling the office to tell them what had happened when a sleek Honda Accord 2008 Model, silvery-grey in color, pulled up beside me.

“Are you Rita?” The driver asked.
I nodded.
“I am here to take you to the passport office. Sorry I am late. Please let me know if you need more time to make up before you leave…’
Unbelievable! I thought.

This story may seem insignificant to you, but I tell you, something happened to me that day. It clearly dawned on me that when something goes away, there is something better waiting out there for us. It is left for us to open our hearts and eyes for yet another opportunity. My heart suddenly understood that God can do exceedingly, abundantly, above all we ask or think [1]. And then, during my journey to the passport office, I had time to reflect on many situations where disappointments turned out to be blessings.

I don’t know what "it" might be to you or whether you’ve ever heard the words “it wasn’t meant for you” in one phrase or the other. The words could have been as consolations from a heart break, the loss of an unborn child, a partner you once thought was perfect, a job you thought was the job of your dreams, an opportunity that came so close you thought it was “it”, or your hopes shattered once again. All I am saying to you is if you could just trust Him once more, give Him a little benefit of doubt, believe that He turns disappointments into blessing and realize that He wants the best only for you, in a little while, you will see that blessing right in front of you – a blessing beyond your expectations.

And if you have experienced a disappointment eventually becoming a blessing, please share.

Enjoy a blessed rest of the week.

Bible References
[1] Ephesians 3:20