By Rusty Potter
As we celebrate Father’s Day, I remember one of the most important lessons I learned from my father, Mr. Earnest Potter.
My dad was a school bus driver. Every morning, I knew exactly what was expected of me. When that yellow school bus pulled up on the road, I needed to be ready. My shoes needed to be on, my books gathered, and my mind ready for the day ahead.
There was one thing I knew for certain: if I was not ready, my dad would not hesitate to leave me behind.
At the time, I thought he was being tough. As a teenager, I didn’t fully understand what he was teaching me. Looking back now, I realize that he was giving me one of the best life lessons I would ever learn: Be ready or be left behind.
That lesson has stayed with me throughout my life.
It taught me the importance of being on time. It taught me to prepare before opportunities arrive. It taught me that success comes to those who are ready when the moment presents itself.
Too many people spend their lives waiting for opportunity, failing to prepare for it. They want the promotion but aren’t developing their skills. They want better health but aren’t changing their bad habits. They want success but aren’t doing the work that success requires.
The truth is that opportunity often shows up without warning. When it does, you don’t have time to get ready – you must already be ready.
When I started a job, I remembered my dad’s lesson. Life rewards preparation.
The Bible says in Proverbs 21:5, “The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance. “ Diligent people prepare. They plan. They stay ready.
This Father’s Day, I thank God for my father and the wisdom he shared through his actions. He may have been driving a school bus, but he was also helping me to drive toward a successful future.
Whatever dream you may have, remember this simple lesson from a school bus driver,
Be prepared. Be on time. Stay ready.
Because when opportunities pull up to your door, you don’t want to be left behind.
Happy Father’s Day to all the fathers who teach life lessons that last a lifetime.
