感谢主 for strange people on public transport

Tonight, I went for dinner and a movie with my very old friend Bec.

Aside： Cool story. Bec and I went to high school together for a few years (incidentally, so did our mothers). We were very close but lost touch after I moved to St. Andrews. Three years later, we were at the same Crusaders HSC study camp, and quickly discovered that in those three years, both Bec and I had became Christians. We both come from non-Christian families and backgrounds and since meeting up again then, Bec has been a great encouragement to me, and I am so, so thankful for her friendship and love. 感谢主， for he works behind the scenes, when we're not looking.

So. Back to the story. Bec and I went to Wagamama for dinner and saw Fame. Good movie - not as good as the original, or the original series. Not the point of this post.

I caught the bus there and back. It's only a 15minute trip from college, and usually I turn on my iPod and it all goes very quickly. Tonight, on the way in, the bus driver welcomed me as I stepped onto the bus, told me to "find a seat with a view" and proceeded to give the whole bus a rather peculiar tour of Broadway and George St as we made our way into the city. I don't think I've ever laughed so hard (or loudly) on public transport before. There wasn't anything inherently hilarious in what he was saying - the whole experience was just bizarre and everyone on the bus - especially those that had just gotten on - was so bemused. I ended up chatting to the woman behind me and the man in front, something I would never (and this is the total city-girl in me speaking) ever ever do on public transport normally - but this driver just got everyone so relaxed.

No, I didn't have an Essential Jesus in my bag, and I didn't have some great evangelising experience, although perhaps there were opportunities there that I didn't jump at. I'm not really sure. It was just a really, really enjoyable few minutes. And I really, really loved Sydney right then.

After the movie I walked Bec to the train station and caught the bus home. I was listning to Panic! At the Disco (latest album - Pretty.Odd. <3 it.) and this guy gets up, walks across the aisle and says something to me. Obviously I can't hear him so I stop the music and say "Sorry?"
"I said, are you okay?"
I raised my eyebrows. "Yeah! Yeah I'm fine."
"Are you sure?" He looked pretty normal, except that his scarf was really long.
"Yeah, I'm okay. Why?"
"Oh, you just looked really sad, that's all."
I try and not look to weirded out. He doesn't seem threatening.
"No, no, I'm fine. Just, you know, concentrating on my music or something."
"Oh okay." He starts walking back to his chair, and I realise he isn't going to try to prolong the conversation or start anything funny.
"Thanks though!" I say it a little too loudly - I'm not terribly interested in drawing the attention of the whole bus to this little exchange, but I'm genuinely touched. I don't think there was anything going on there, other than honest kindness, and he wasn't acting weirdly to anyone else around him.

TBQH, I enjoy a bit of crazy public transport behaviour. Especially in calm, familiar Sydney. It's nice to feel connected to the big, wide, world of strangers. 感谢主, for we're made to be connected and in community, to care about and love each other. Even if that's just a quick inquiry of a stranger on a bus whom you'll never see again.

Tonight, I also spilled candy all through my handbag. Reaching in there for the next few days is going to be pretty exciting. 感谢主 for candy, also.

x