Distracted or disstressed, going underground.

I enjoy the London Underground. I suppose I enjoy it because it is a novelty and I don't have to depend on the tube to get to and from work each day. I've been staying with Craig and Kath in Wimbledon (which is a train rider's dream! You go on the underground, overland rail and a tram to get to their place!)

This morning, however, as I stood in an overcrowded train carriage I felt a bit sad for the people around me. There they were squashed in like sardines, so much so that people had to get out of the train to let passengers off, and then when the train left the station some people were left behind because there wasn't enough space for them.

What made me sad was that I noticed two common emotions - the people on the train with me were either distracted or distressed...

Those who were distracted had iPods, cell phones, newspapers and books to keep them from noticing the people around them. I wondered what most of them thought about their fellow passengers, what they thought about me? Do they notice the diversity, the gifting, the beauty and the mutual humanity in those other 'squashed' people? Do they think about the parents who leave their children very early, and come home late? Do they wonder if there are people on the train who are struggling to make ends meet? What about the foreigners from all over the world who've come to London in the hope of finding a better, safer, life - working as cleaners, or in a warehouse or shop. I wondered how long it took for one to become dull to the lives of others.

So, I prayed for each person that I saw. I didn't know what to pray for, but I asked God to bless each one, to bring joy and fulfilment into their lives - I do believe that is God's desire for every person and so I asked God to work that miracle for each person.

The other type of person that I saw were those who seemed distressed. These people rushed down the platform, looked at their watches, chewed their nails, bounced their legs, looked over their shoulders, and generally appeared under threat. Perhaps the threat came from without - they had been late for work once too often, or they had an important meeting to get to and were running late. Perhaps the threat came from within - many of us live with these kinds of threat - the pressure to perform, unrealised hopes and dreams, low self esteem, dissapointment at poor choices, secrets kept from loved ones, the inability to face plain truths...

Regardless of the pressures, I know that there is a way that is different, it is the way of peace that Jesus died for. It is a life that is not driven by performance, greed, or achievement. Rather this life is driven by affirmation, acceptance, and most of all, love.

So, I prayed for each of the persons that I saw who was distressed. I asked God to grant them inner peace, and victory over the struggles of this day. I prayed for their extended families, their places of work, and for their hopes and dreams.

I was left wondering how one makes a difference among people who are distracted and distressed, when you yourself suffer from these malladys... I suppose my insight and compassion comes from understanding, and so it makes me more willing to minister and more eager to help. How can one reach such persons? How does one care?

I need to pray a bit more about this one! But, I am pleased that I had this experience. It has enriched my life, broadened my insight, and offered me a fresh perspective on the needs of others.

If you encounter someone who is distracted or distressed, why not offer a prayer on their behalf? Who knows what the result may be!