It’s the first of the year and 10 degrees outside (the weather app says it feels like 6). It’s actually warmed up. Earlier this morning, when I was deciding whether I really needed to go to the store for a few items, it was 7 degrees but (according to the aforementioned weather app) felt like -2. I think I would have stayed in, but then I got a call from my mother.
It was a New Year phone call filled with loving advice, encouragement and culminating in prayer for my best year ever. It was so wonderfully uplifting that as soon as we hung up, I found myself donning on my winter gear and heading out.
As the store is a ways away, I waited for a bus. When it finally arrived, I got on to find that the bus driver was one of my favorite strangers. I had only ridden with him at the helm a handful of times, but he exudes such gentle, jovial, quick witted warmth that I can’t help brightening up whenever I see him. I remember the first time I rode with him as the driver. I got on, and as I paid my fare, he made eye contact, gave a genuine smile, said hello and just like that, I found myself being warmed by the whole exchange. In fact, I watched him engage with the rest of the passengers that got on after me in the same manner. Then, as luck would have it, he ended up being the same driver when I got back on the bus later that day and he actually remembered me! He made a joke about me stalking him. I think I replied along the lines that I couldn’t confirm or deny it.
So, seeing as he’s one of my two very favorite bus drivers, it was quite a joy to be on his bus on this the first day of the new year.
Even now, as I write this, I’m beaming.
He doesn’t know it, but I’m really grateful for the effect of his light. Maybe one day I’ll tell him that his general warmth makes me happy to be a passenger on his bus, and that he’s added to my general appreciation of people— especially strangers— whose presence and simple actions in the world have touched and uplifted my spirit.
What a lovely start to the new year :)