I think we have all been straphangers. Whether in this lifetime or another, commuting between point A and point B has been a common Earth School experience. Why am I penning a piece about in-between stops? It’s because I haven’t yet explored it from this vantage point.
What’s a train? It’s a vehicle that moves people from one place to another. Usually underground, but sometimes elevated, we often don’t know what’s ahead unless we’re in the first car. There’s usually a routine as we prepare for departure. Then, we embark on a journey that could take anywhere from a short time to an extended period. Are we carrying a heavy load? Was a seat found or was a strap or pole utilized for stability’s sake? How’s the lighting? Can we see well? I’m wondering about the air. Stuffy? Hot? Air conditioning too strong? Are we riding with a friend, partner, child?
There are so many variables we can consider when climbing aboard this vessel that carries us to our destination. Crowds, delays, smells, safety, aesthetics, noise, amusements all affect our in-between time, as well. After a while, we might become numb to more annoying factors that affect our mission of arriving on time and in one piece. There are folks who look forward to the adventure and challenge; no matter what they experience, it’s viewed as a story and a good time.
Getting on board a train and going to a destination can serve as a metaphor for what we do each and every day. The similarity between an actual train ride and any point A to point B life situation is that we are required to have faith and trust that we are in the process of getting to where we want to be. Plans are made, although God does laugh, and we set out with the intention to arrive at our desired destination. This could be about a person, place, or thing, mind you. Have we done our research where a plan is made before the journey is taken? It might not be possible and jumping on board might be the only option. Sometimes, plans are made, and during the A-to-B trip, things flip, and we find ourselves experiencing something new and surprising. What we do with this shift is an opportunity for soul growth. Some trips are necessary, and others might be frivolous. Whatever the case, the in-between is where the learning occurs. If we make it to our destination, hurrah! If we find ourselves sidelined, stalled, reversed — what can we learn from a different, unexpected point B?
The unknown isn’t our favorite place to be, however, it is our greatest teacher. Sitting on a train affords us to surrender to the Conductor; some liken them to God/Source/Creator/Spirit. We make the plan and then hop on board with the hope that we get there. The Conductor knows what is for our highest good. We do the legwork — getting on board at point A, and the Conductor does the rest.
If we arrive on time, in one piece, and are satisfied with the outcome, we have received exactly what is for our highest good. If our outcome is different from what we planned, expected, hoped, or prayed for, we received exactly what is for our highest good.
Commute with promise, grace, and adventure. Commute with self-admiration that we got ourselves together to take steps towards a new destination. Even if we do this every day — the same trip, the same rigamarole — we can ace it with honors.
Work on issues of trust and faith if you have issues with the unknown — the in-between. Surrendering after making a plan is good for the soul, too. Step on board and envision your destination with hopeful anticipation, and you will receive what you need and possibly what you want.
Here’s to the straphanger in all of us who gets ready, hops on board, and hopes to reach their destination!
All Aboard,
~Joanie
