Wednesday, June 2, 2010

Daily Life's Intermissions

There are train tracks not far from our house.

I usually encounter a passing train when I'm in a hurry.


So I just have to wait until it passes.

Sometimes it seems like it takes forever. During that time I have listened to the radio, or taken pictures, or counted the train cars, or made a quick phone call (yea for cell phones!), or added items to a grocery list.

Sometimes though I use those minutes to pray for those on my prayer list. It's probably the best use for those minutes.

And before you know it, the caboose arrives.

How do you spend the time when you're waiting in a line - or on a train to pass - or caught in traffic?

18 comments:

  1. Iphone!

    I try to use it as my second choice though. Sometimes I forget. Those short waits should always be used for prayer.

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  2. We have graduated from counting train cars now that the boys can express that 'they are not little boys anymore'. I do use my running time (what little there is of it) to go through my prayer list thoroughly. It's usually the Christian music station for traffic waits.

    Have a great day!

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  3. I'm usually on my way to court when I have to wait for a train. I've learned just to sit back, take a deep breath, and try to relax while I wait.

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  4. Like you....i talk with God...

    Enjoy

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  5. When I'm waiting in line--usually at the grocery store, I'm usually engaged in either thinking about something deep (my garden and the other mysteries of life) or chatting up the person behind me. :D Not very productive but relaxing!

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  6. good morning my friend,
    beautiful post....a wonderful devotional
    sometimes GOD stops us for a reason...to be still and listen...I listen
    I pray...listen to my husband complain because it is taking so long and look at the graffiti sprayed on the boxcars.
    hugs and blessings
    simply debbie

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  7. I have spent too much of my life in NJ/NY commuter traffic! Some of it was spent on conference calls to meetings, some was spent writing, and like you some was spent to catch my breath and express gratitude for my many blessings. I too live by train tracks and love the sound of train whistles off in the distance.

    Wonderful post, as always.

    Your Friend,
    Deborah

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  8. I figure that it's a good time to pray for people and issues that come to my mind too!

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  9. I try to think of that time a gift...a precious few minutes to just look around me and take in the sights...no matter what they are. You would be amazed at what you see when you actually look!

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  10. I do a lot of those same things when I'm stuck at a railroad crossing. Great pictures.

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  11. I would like to say that I would use that time for prayer also, but unfortunately my reactions usually involve being annoyed and impatient. I need to learn to slow down and enjoy my surroundings and talk to God more. Thanks for your example.

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  12. sometimes texting. sometimes praying (for the line to hurry). mostly gazing around at my surroundings. i'm easily entertained. lol!

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  13. We don't have trains this far north , haven't had one in ... I can't remember when....years ago, but waiting is everyone's game isin't it, I just wait.... nothing else to do about it...
    Diane

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  14. I also get delayed by a train either coming to work or going home or both. I just sit and relax and watch the things around me. I need to do the prayers more often than I do. Thanks for the photos and the example.
    Have a great weekend.

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  15. usually reading!!

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  16. Yep, that happens to me too.
    I usually try to take inventory of my thoughts and get them in order.

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  17. I usually look at it as God telling me to slow down and breathe.

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