Stay on the bus, the scenery will change. Get off, and you are there forever.
–Heard at a recent meeting
A bus trip, what an excellent metaphor for my Program life.
First, I am not in charge, the driver is in control, and I cannot influence him at all. I remember the Greyhound buses of another age; you could not speak to the driver, nor could you stand beyond the yellow line on the floor. Well behaved passengers stayed in their seats and enjoyed the ride. The bus driver was in charge. I liken the driver to God in my life, He is in charge, and I can sit back and enjoy the ride.
Second, sometimes the bus goes through parts of the world that don’t look great. Again, memories of a Greyhound bus winding its way through the streets to the Winnipeg station. It was not the best part of town. I remember thinking that the Winnipeg tourist board would not be pleased to see the first impression of that magnificent prairie city obtained by Greyhound bus passengers. It was not a desirable neighbourhood. Indeed, not an area that I would frequent if I had a choice. Getting off the bus would not be a good idea. If I did get off, there might not be another bus for a long time. I would be stuck where I got off. Sometimes my life seems full of tribulations and trials; as I look out the window between meetings, it appears to be a rough neighbourhood. If I stop my Program bus and get off, I might be stuck for a long time.
Third, staying on bus meant a new neighbourhood, a much better area of town. Shops and pedestrians looked inviting and friendly. This was an area that I could get off the bus and feel good. If things seem rough in my Program life, I know from past experiences that the neighbourhood will change, it will get better. That has been the case in every city the bus has been through and has been the case for every hard patch in my Program life so far.
Fourth, when I am on the bus, I am protected and safe. I can view the world with a certain equanimity knowing the there is a sheet of tempered glass between me and the world. When I step off the bus, I have to face the hard, cruel world. Likewise, when I am going to meetings and working the Steps. When I am in the middle of the herd, I am safe and protected. I have a sheet of tempered Higher Power confidence that allows me the mental attitudes to enjoy serenity and calm.
And Greyhound never took me to the wrong city, nor have I heard of Greyhound steering people wrong in other cities. In the same way, my Higher Power has never let me down, nor have I seen Him let anyone else down if they follow the Program and stay on the bus. It is the nature of Greyhound to look after their customers. It is the nature of God to look after his children. Some could call it faith, but when something has happened enough times, it seems to transition from faith to knowledge.
So, lesson learned – if I don’t like the scenery of my life, stay on the Program bus. Let my Higher Power continue to drive, and stay safe and sound in the bus. Watch the scenery with detachment and remember that I am under the care and protection of my Higher Power.
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This is great. Getting off the bus will not fix it, Like a drink will never make things better. Besides, I know that neighborhood. It didn’t help that the university was there at all