"So you are all aware of my daily commutes to and from work on the lovely Calgary C-train. I find there are a few ways a person can endure this travel. The first is to sit there like any good person and stare off into space while in the background hearing each stop listed off and counting down to your stop. Personally, this is not my favorite as the time tends to drag on and by the time you get to your stop you are thoroughly sick of the sweet feminine voice over the intercom.
"Another way to endure the trip is to simply sleep through it all. This also has its hazards. For example, falling asleep while standing with one arm wrapped around a pole can be dangerous. A sudden stop can cause great head pain, while dozing can cause awkward head movements and neck strain. The general motion of the train also tends to make this uncomfortable. Falling asleep in a seat can also be hazardous. The first worry is sleeping past your stop and ending up on the other side of town. Another danger that may not be considered except by the germaphobes, is the idea of thousands to millions of germs floating around that window that you are so tempted to rest your head against. Well you get the idea about sleeping.
"A third solution to endure the train ride is simply to bring something to read for as they say "knowledge is power." An hour of reading a day can be a good thing. Since my recent call to be relief society president, Bishop has offered me a list of things to read. First and foremost on the list is The Miracle of Forgiveness by Spencer W. Kimball. For the last month this has been my book of choice for the duration of my commutes. However, reading this book in public has its hazards. Of course personal space on such trains is non-existent and no one really has anything else to do so they tend to look over your shoulder. With any other book I would not find this a problem, but with this book, such words as you can think of yourself, are slightly uncomfortable to be read by Mister or Misses So-and-So looking over your shoulder. Luckily, I am now to the last chapter of the book, which I have enjoyed so far, and am simply reading on forgiveness.
"Well this morning, I followed my daily morning routine: Mom drops me off at the train; I sprint for the train and make it just in time; grab my seat and pull out my book. At one point on the trip, perhaps around Anderson Station, a nice old man got on the train and stood right next to me. I had the seat and he had the swinging hang grip (which I find totally useless as it in no way is able to help steady yourself and only causes severe blood drainage from your hand). I could feel his gaze looking at the book but continued to read on. As our journey continued he got shifted to the seat across the aisle from me. I thought nothing of this as I was thoroughly engrossed in my book. As we approached City Hall Station I put the book away and prepared to make my departure. I glanced over and noticed the man was now staring at me. Trying to ignore this, I stared forward and waited. As my stop was called over the intercom and I stood up, he reached out his hand to me and offered me a pamphlet. The look on his face was sincere concern and encouragement. I looked at him confused but grabbed the pamphlet, mumbled a "thank you," and darted off the train before the doors closed and I would be doomed to wait for the next stop.
"As I dashed down the street heading to my tower in the sky, I glanced at the pamphlet. The title read, "Abiding in God's Grace." A closer look revealed it is from the Church of God in Christ and describes the fall of Adam and Eve and discusses their sin that now falls to us. It discusses our sins as well as our need to repent and acknowledges our dependence on the Saviour. I actually laughed out loud when I read this, not because I seek to humiliate other churches or their beliefs but for the fact that a good Christian man saw a sinner on a train and wanted to help her out. Hope you have a great morning!"
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