No Shortcut to a Beautiful Life: A Lesson from the Bus Lane

This reflection came to me while riding Angkas on my way to Mall of Asia to watch a concert. As we passed through the busy EDSA roads, I noticed that the bus lane was wide open and almost empty, while the regular lanes were packed with traffic. I saw some private vehicles trying to sneak into the bus lane, hoping to escape the long wait. That moment made me think deeply about how many of us are tempted to take shortcuts, even when we know they’re not meant for us.

Every day, millions of Filipinos travel to work, school, or home using crowded roads and public transport. Many follow the rules, wait patiently in traffic, and respect the lanes meant for buses. But some drivers, especially those in private cars or motorcycles, choose to enter the bus lane. This behavior may seem small, but it reflects a deeper problem in our society, the desire for shortcuts, even when others are struggling.

Bus lanes are created to help public buses move faster. These buses carry hundreds of ordinary people who rely on them daily. When private vehicles enter these lanes, they slow down the buses and make life harder for those who already face long commutes. Some drivers say they are just in a hurry or that “everyone else is doing it.” But this shortcut mindset teaches us that breaking rules is okay if it benefits us personally. It creates unfairness and shows a lack of respect for others.

In fact, many of us, wanting to avoid traffic, enter the bus lane thinking it will save time. But instead, we get caught by authorities and our trip becomes even more delayed. This shows how shortcuts can backfire. What seems like a faster way often leads to more trouble.

Sometimes we ask ourselves, is it really wrong to take a shortcut if all you want is a comfortable life without struggle? It’s a question many people carry quietly in their hearts. After all, who doesn’t want ease, comfort, and success? But the real issue is not the desire for comfort, it’s how we choose to reach it.

This attitude is not only seen on the road. We see it in schools, where some students cheat to get high grades. We see it in offices, where some people use connections to get promoted quickly. And sadly, we see it in government, where corrupt officials take shortcuts to live a rich life while ordinary citizens work hard just to survive. These shortcuts may bring fast rewards, but they damage trust, fairness, and the spirit of honest work.

In real life, the journey matters. Taking the long road teaches patience, discipline, and strength. Like bamboo, which bends but does not break, Filipinos are known for their resilience. We survive storms, carry heavy loads, and keep going. But when we see others skipping the line, it hurts. It feels like our effort is ignored, and our honesty is wasted.

We must ask ourselves what kind of society we want. One where people cheat to get ahead, or one where people help each other rise together. Respecting traffic rules, staying in the right lane, and thinking of others may seem small, but these actions show who we are. They reflect our values and shape our future.

Let us be proud of the honest path. Let us teach our children that real success comes from hard work, not shortcuts. Let us be the example in our homes, on the road, and in our communities. Because in the end, the long way may be harder, but it builds a life we can truly be proud of.

As the Bible reminds us in Ecclesiastes 3:11, “He has made everything beautiful in its time.” This verse teaches us that waiting is not wasted. God sees our effort, our patience, and our honesty. A beautiful life is waiting for us, not through shortcuts, but through the right path, in God’s perfect time.