Trishaw Riders

I remember a time when it was common to see trishaws ferrying passengers along our roads. They were once a familiar part of Singapore’s streetscape. I especially remember a few occasions when I was late for school and my grandmother would bring me to school on one of these trishaws. The ride was bumpy but surprisingly comfortable, and I can still remember the cool morning breeze against my face whenever the rider picked up speed. It was a simple journey, but it remains a treasured childhood memory.

How different life is today. With the rapid modernisation of Singapore’s transport system, we are now spoilt for choice. We have public buses, taxis, private-hire vehicles, the MRT, and many other forms of transport that make travelling around our city remarkably convenient. I am thankful for Singapore’s efficient public transport system. It has become such an integral part of our daily lives that we sometimes take it for granted. It is difficult to imagine how we managed to get around so easily before these modern systems became part of everyday life.

Take our MRT system, for example. It is a remarkable achievement of engineering and organisation, yet it has quietly become an indispensable part of our lives. We board the train, find a seat or stand among the other commuters, and expect to arrive at our destination. Because it has become so familiar, we may hardly stop to appreciate the many people and systems that make each journey possible. We probably notice it most when something goes wrong or when a service is disrupted.

Yet behind every train that arrives safely and every bus that reaches its destination are countless people faithfully carrying out their responsibilities. Train captains, bus drivers, station staff, maintenance engineers, technicians, cleaners, control-room operators, security officers, and many others work diligently often long before the first commuter begins the day and sometimes long after the last passenger has gone home. Their work may not attract much attention, but their dedication helps keep our city moving safely and smoothly.

We may never know their names.

Most of us may never meet them.

Yet through their faithful service, millions of journeys can take place each day.

As I reflect on this, I am reminded that God often cares for us through the quiet faithfulness of ordinary people. His provision does not always come through dramatic or extraordinary events. Very often, it comes through people faithfully doing the work entrusted to them—the bus driver who begins work before sunrise, the technician who keeps the machinery running, the cleaner who prepares a station for the morning crowd, or the person quietly attending to a task that most of us never notice.

Through the hands and service of such people, God provides for our everyday needs. Their work helps us travel safely, get to work, visit our loved ones, attend appointments, and return home at the end of the day. In ways we may never fully recognise, God’s care is often woven into the ordinary routines of life.

Looking back over my own life, I can see many occasions when God has faithfully guided my journey, not only from one physical destination to another, but through the many seasons of life itself. There were times when I did not know which direction to take, yet He gently led me. There were moments when the future seemed uncertain, yet the right opportunity appeared at the right time. There were also times when I could not understand why a particular road seemed difficult or why a delay had occurred. Only later did I begin to see how God had been quietly preparing the way.

Our Heavenly Father does not always show us the whole journey ahead. But He knows the destination, even when we do not. He knows the roads we will travel, the turns we will need to make, the delays we will encounter, and the people we will meet along the way. Even when we cannot see His hand, we can trust that He has not stopped watching over us.

The Bible reminds us:

“Your word is a lamp to my feet, and a light for my path.”

— Psalm 119:105

Just as a journey requires us to follow the road ahead one step at a time, God’s Word gives us light for our journey through life. He may not reveal everything we want to know about tomorrow, but He gives us enough light for today’s step and enough grace for each new day.

There is also something we can learn from the people who faithfully serve behind the scenes. Faithfulness is seldom demonstrated through dramatic moments. More often, it is found in quiet acts of responsibility, humble service, steady diligence, and patient love repeated day after day.

Some of us may have jobs that are highly visible and appreciated by many. Others may spend much of our time doing things that few people notice. We may care for our families, encourage a friend, serve in church, help a neighbour, volunteer in the community, or simply carry out our daily responsibilities with honesty and care. These may seem like small things, but they matter.

God sees what others may not see.

Nothing done in love and faithfulness is wasted. Our ordinary acts of service can become small channels through which God’s goodness reaches others. A kind word can encourage someone who is struggling. A helping hand can lighten another person’s burden. A faithful presence can remind someone that they are not alone.

Perhaps this is also what it means to be part of God’s journey for others. Just as countless unseen people help us reach our destinations each day, God can use our lives to help someone else along their journey. We may never know how much a simple act of kindness, a word of encouragement, or a faithful commitment has meant to another person.

So, as you begin today’s journey, remember that you are never travelling alone. The God who has faithfully guided you through all the years behind you continues to walk with you today. He knows every destination, every detour, every delay, and every step along the way.

May we trust Him when the road ahead is uncertain. May we remain faithful in the responsibilities He has entrusted to us. And may our ordinary lives become quiet blessings to those travelling alongside us.

Just as the old trishaw riders once carried people safely along Singapore’s roads, and today’s transport workers continue to help millions reach their destinations, may we also faithfully play our part in helping others along life’s journey.

We may not always see where the road is leading, but we can trust the One who knows the way..