I took the train today. I haven't taken the "L" in a looooong time (It really made me appreciate the fact that I have a car). I just sunk in my seat and buried my nose in my scarf - desperately hoping that the wool would somehow neutralize the terrible train odors. It was really cold, and I was only able to remove my gloves for the few seconds that it took to put on my headphones. And that was it- I was completely lost in my music. I would watch the people around me and drown in my curiousity. "Why is that woman alone with 3 children? Does she have a husband to help her? Is she a single mother? Isn't it past their bedtime? Maybe she's watching her sister's kids, and they're not even her children..." "Why is that man reading a book on zen buddhism? Maybe he's reading it for a class. Or, he might be seeking buddhism. Or maybe he's a Christian that wants to be well-informed about world religions.... nah, that last one doesn't sound too likely." "Why is that woman so dressed up? Did she just get off of work? Or is she dressed up to go out to dinner?".

And then, BAM. I had this sudden impulse to pray. PRAY. So I did. I prayed for the people on my train car, even though I didn't know who they were or what their names were or what their life story is. I prayed for their salvation...I prayed that they would meet Jesus regardless of the circumstances in their life.... and I prayed for their safety and protection. And suddenly my grumbling heart began to rejoice because tonight was one of the most satisfying experiences I have ever had on the Red Line.