Lesson From a Cabbie

“What do you do for life?”

She stepped off the plane, grabbed her bags and looked for the nearest taxi.  It’s not hard on the small island of St. Croix. There’s always a line of taxis lined up along the outdoor baggage claim.  Guys waiting to take the next person hopefully as far and as long as possible to keep the meter running. As a young executive for a large international company, she’s used to rushing here and there, exploring new places, and making small talk with taxi drivers.  But this one question, from one driver, in his “Cruzan” accent stopped her in her tracks, when it actually came out wrong.  He simply asked, “So, what do you do for life?” He meant of course, “What do you do for a living?” but for me, the slip was better than the intended question. So, what do you do for life?” Yeah you!

TD Jakes preaches. John Legend sings. Dwane “The Rock” Johnson played football, wrestled, and now makes movies. Lebron…switches teams…ok, and plays basketball.

I posted the question on FB and got answers ranging from “some commit murder”  to “some people hold grudges for life.”  A lot of answers bypassed the existential vibe and simply said what they did for fun.  Other people responded with what they did for a living. 

Most people who know me have probably heard me use the famous Lennon quote, “Life is what happens when you’re busy making other plans.”  As wild as it seems, I’ve gotten lost around the world, in third world cities, on the side of mountains, and deep in the ocean, and those times of “lostness” have been some of my greatest moments of life. My life isn’t some well planned, neat and tidy always upward trajectory of … up.  But, what do I do for life?  I guess, I might answer the question truthfully like this: “I play hide and go seek with my granddaughter London, and at times with God.”  I also watch my kids grow and live out their lives.  I talk with my family and friends each day.  I give.  Singing, writing, reading, hanging out with friends, all life, but not all of life.  

I realize I haven’t mentioned Jesus even once yet in this talk about life.  That’s messed up. Some might think I just went “Debbie Downer” in a perfectly good blog by bringing Jesus into the picture, but the truth is: No Jesus, no life.  Know Jesus, Know life.  “Do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart, for they will prolong your life many years and bring you prosperity.” (Proverbs 3:1-2 NIV)  

“Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6  “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” John 10:10  “But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.” Matt. 7:14 

If you’re wondering how the woman chose to respond to the cab driver’s question, she said, “I love my God, my family and my friends.” Thanks cabbie for making us think.

There’s no place like HOPE,

Stefan