By Sandy Kirby Quandt

While the island of Santorini Greece is a marvel to behold, I found it can also create unsettling situations. One such experience being the bus ride from Fira to Oia.

Santorini is what remains after an enormous volcanic eruption approximately 3600 years ago created the caldera in its center. The ensuing tsunami from the eruption is thought to be responsible for the collapse of the Minoan civilization on the island of Crete, some 68 miles to the south. The central lagoon of the caldera is surrounded by 980 feet high steep cliffs on three sides. Buildings on the island cling precariously to the sides of the island overlooking the lagoon.

And this is where the bus ride comes in. Most roads on Santorini also cling precariously to the cliffs they are built on.

On boarding the bus for my ride from Fira to Oia, I slid down the bench seat and found myself pinned next to the window. Fortunate for me, I thought. Better view, I thought. Until we left Fira and started the uphill climb to Oia.

I looked out the window to my right and gasped. Oh, no, I thought.

Nothing separated me and the rest of the bus riders from tumbling over the side of the road and plunging to our deaths. I’m not exaggerating.

Nothing except the bus driver, that is.

The way I saw it, the man behind the wheel knew what he was doing. At least I hoped he did. He knew just how close he could get to the edge of the road without careening off it. So, instead of looking at the potential danger to my right, I decided to look straight ahead. At the bus driver.

He delivered us safely to Oia, and even got us back to Fira in one piece. On the return trip, I once again found myself next to the window. This time, however, my view was of the rock wall next to the road we were pressed against.

How many times in life do we look out the window and only see the steep drop-off of the cliff we’re on? The job uncertainties. The health concerns. Financial worries. Relationship disasters. Addictions we can’t seem to beat.

Instead of staring at the scary stuff, perhaps our eyes need to be turned to the bus driver. The one who has it all under control. The one who knows where he’s taking us. The one who isn’t about to let us fall. The one who will bring us safely to our destination.

Jesus.

In the story of the Apostle Peter when he walked on the water to meet Jesus, he did fine until he saw the storm he was in, and took his eyes off his LORD. Same with us.

We do fine as long as we keep our eyes on Jesus, so what say that’s where we keep them?

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But when Peter saw how strong the wind was, he was afraid and started sinking. “Save me, Lord!” he shouted. Matthew 14:30 (CEV)

I wish you well.

Sandy

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