I have traveled quite a bit by train, bus, and other means of public transportation. I have always enjoyed it, as it gives me a chance to read, reflect, and write. I also enjoy seeing the beauty of God’s creation. All I have to worry about is getting off at the right stop. The rest of the time I’ve written articles and even chapters of my book, or I’ve done research, and I’ve also taken the time to pray for people or write them a note.
Being on public transportation provides a peek at students, tourists, and people traveling for work. It’s easy to spot the ones commuting; they know the way by heart so nothing is new to them, and many actually catch up on sleep. The tourists have their cameras in hand. The students, if they are awake, love to talk or they’re busy studying. Parents traveling with babies or toddlers are busy making sure they don’t disturb people. They are glad when I give a hand entertaining their little ones. One thing for sure, Jesus loves all this colorful and varied picture of humanity journeying through life. And He nudges me to love them as well.
I occasionally have conversations with my fellow travelers, sometimes just small talk, other times very deep exchanges. Once at a bus stop, I talked with a young man who was obviously battling addictions, as he honestly admitted in the course of our conversation. For a moment I felt as if he were my son, needing encouragement and friendship. We exchanged phone numbers, and just a few minutes after he left he called me saying, “I just wanted to know if you were for real or if it was one of my hallucinations. Very few people take the time to listen and show love to a stranger.”
I have many opportunities to help people if they need directions, a hand with their luggage, or simply a smile. Once I loaned my phone to a lady. She had to work out getting picked up by her daughter, but her phone battery had died, and she panicked, as she was very tired and had traveled a long distance. After things got worked out with her daughter, we ended up having lunch together, and it was as if we had known each other for a long time.
I know some people don’t like traveling by public transport, so I hope these thoughts will cheer you up and inspire you the next time you do!