91热爆

A spiritual comment and prayer to begin the day with the Rev Canon Dr Jennifer Smith

Good morning.

A few weeks ago I needed to take a five AM train from London Euston, so found myself on the night bus from my local stop at just after four thirty. During the day and well into the night, London Transport is usually busy and anonymous. I find folk are generally kind, helping where needed and giving up seats for someone less able, but there鈥檚 an unwritten code to respect each other鈥檚 space. We avoid eye contact, attention glued to phones or less frequently now, newspapers and books.

At 4.30 AM the night bus was different. The seats were full, but it was immediately clear that everyone here knew each other, even down to who would get on or off and at which stop. There was food, and banter between those just starting work, and those who were on their way home. Some were asleep. Two women were planning a wedding party for one of their daughters, and another man was video-calling his family in the Philippines. Several were on their way to work whilst others made their journey home after a night shift.

I had have a moment waiting in the dark at the bus stop by myself in the early hours that maybe I should have splurged for a taxi? But any reservations I had about getting the night bus disappeared instantly when I stumbled up the steps, and discovered its accidental community. There is safety in being known and connected with other people; community is an antidote to fear.

God of peace, make neighbours out of strangers today, and bless us on our way.

Amen.