Yesterday helped with my sadness and attitude. Normally, my experiences with public busing are anything but dull. Some have been downright creepy (I've blogged a few of those). However, yesterday was different. Just as I was text my Sweetheart that there were no "extraordinary people" on the bus, we picked up a man who was hopping mad - literally - at the leaf blowers doing their thing at his stop. Apparently the leaf blower hadn't been very observant or courteous and blew leaves at this man. Harsh words and hand gestures were being exchanged even as we pulled to a stop. I clicked my phone shut. The unhappy man brought his anger with him and shared with all of us. "Can you believe that guy!," stomp, stomp, gesture. Of course there were others who could relate and shared similar stories. This only served to up the intensity of uncomfortable angst. Two stops later, "The Jesus Lady" (mentioned her in a previous blog) got on board and the atmosphere changed almost immediately. This time she wasn't sharing scriptures as before, she knew several of the passengers and shared happy greetings and hugs. Christmas pleasantries were exchanged and readiness for the season declared. Here's the cool part, the readiness had nothing to do with who had what decorations up, or how much shopping was done (I suspect shopping amongst this crew would be minimal at best). The readiness was there in spirit. even the man who had been so angry only minutes before, helped an elderly gentleman to a seat - a moving bus can be difficult to navigate even at best. I got off the bus feeling a bit better about the world in general.
As I worked, I took the opportunity to re-frame some of my thoughts and plant seeds of hope that even though 2 of my children/grandchildren too, and I (and next April a third), will be separated by nearly an entire continent, that we will see each other again. That helped a bit too.
And then came a few moments of joy. My friend has a Tangerine tree, loaded with ready to pick and eat fruit. She handed me a bag and told me to help myself. Ahhhh, to be up in the tree, smelling the fruit, the leaves and the damp earth, picking the bright orange jewels and filling my bag was such a treat for my spirit! I got dirty and loved it!
As I worked, I took the opportunity to re-frame some of my thoughts and plant seeds of hope that even though 2 of my children/grandchildren too, and I (and next April a third), will be separated by nearly an entire continent, that we will see each other again. That helped a bit too.
And then came a few moments of joy. My friend has a Tangerine tree, loaded with ready to pick and eat fruit. She handed me a bag and told me to help myself. Ahhhh, to be up in the tree, smelling the fruit, the leaves and the damp earth, picking the bright orange jewels and filling my bag was such a treat for my spirit! I got dirty and loved it!