God, Move That Bus!

“Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, "Since God has made all this known to you, there is no one so discerning and wise as you. You shall be in charge of my palace, and all my people are to submit to your orders. Only with respect to the throne will I be greater than you… Then Pharaoh took his signet ring from his finger and put it on Joseph's finger. He dressed him in robes of fine linen and put a gold chain around his neck. He had him ride in a chariot as his second-in-command, and men shouted before him, "Make way!" Thus he put him in charge of the whole land of Egypt. Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, "I am Pharaoh, but without your word no one will lift hand or foot in all Egypt." Pharaoh gave Joseph the name Zaphenath-Paneah and gave him Asenath daughter of Potiphera, priest of On, to be his wife. And Joseph went throughout the land of Egypt.” (Genesis 41:39-45)

Life is filled with surprises. In fact, it’s the euphoric and eureka moments that forge hope and frame healing. I’m a fan of reality television and few shows can make me smile like Extreme Home Makeover. For an hour every Sunday night, I enjoy the story of a family—caught by circumstance and trapped by trial—who is surprised with a new home, life and outlook.

These families literally go from poverty to prosperity…in a moment. Their doubt and despair vanishes to delight with a simple command to “move that bus!” Beyond the blockade is a new home. A better life. A fresh opportunity. Picturesque. Personal. Perfect. It’s an extreme home makeover, true, but it's also a portrait of “grace.” Unmerited. Unbelievable. Undeniable. Unstoppable.

Similarly, with the wave of a Pharaoh’s hand, Joseph experienced a “move that bus” moment. He was released from years of wrongful imprisonment and anointed the new palace prince. His prison stripes changed out for royal silk. A ball and chain replaced with a ring and chariot. He was given a new name and a wife (I wonder if he got to pick?). He was the king’s right hand man in a mere moment. His old life and past washed away with a simple christening and command that only a king could utter. It was an extreme life makeover. It was a gift of grace.

“Move that bus” moments are rare in life, especially the ones that radically change disposition, outlook, fortune or identity. That’s why the wise realize every day harbors smaller, even undetectable “move that bus” gifts. It’s that moment when the whole world seems right. When you break out in smile. When you sense inner peace. When you recognize something greater is at work. It’s that eureka moment when some one blesses you with kindness or hears your heart or senses your passion. It’s that fleeting euphoria that follows a kiss from your kid, a sensational sunset, or the taste of fine chocolate.

The secret to life isn’t living for a bus to move. It’s enjoying the moments as life moves. It’s finding grace in the grit and grime. It’s discovering beauty in the beasts. It’s listening to your heartbeat and realizing in God’s eyes you’re both a peach and prince.

Maybe that was what God was trying to teach Joseph all those years in prison. Enjoy the moment. Seek peace. Welcome joy. You’ll never be a prince as long as you live like a frog. You’ll never dance until you find your feet. You’ll never be free until you unchain your heart from anxiousness and apathy, revenge and rage.

Maybe that’s what He’s teaching me (and probably you, too). Renovations take time and buses don't roll without command. Nevertheless, the makeovers are always worth the wait--even if it seems like forever. After all, if you're faithful to God, you are promised a day when the bus will roll away your earthly frames and eternity will reveal your new mansion in Heaven. It’ll be an Eternal home makeover.

That's a day I can’t wait to enjoy. On that day we'll all be truly free from the chain gang.

God, move that bus!


NOTABLE QUOTABLES ON FREEDOM AND HAPPINESS:

“The secret of happiness is freedom. The secret of freedom is courage.” (Thucydides)

“There is only one way to happiness and that is to cease worrying about things which are beyond the power of our will.” (Epictetus)

“The reason people find it so hard to be happy is that they always see the past better than it was, the present worse than it is, and the future less resolved than it will be” (Marcel Pagnol)

“We seek peace, knowing that peace is the climate of freedom.” (Dwight D. Eisenhower)


Father, help me this day to find the small gifts of grace that litter my life. Help me to hear Your Whisper over the roar of this world’s wisdom. Help me to see honor and humility, taste goodness and grace and touch someone else with Your Light and Love. Amen.