Where do you find an Oasis on the commute?

As a teacher I found the daily commute either very tiring or a real blessing. On some occasions the sheer number of cars, the lorry travelling at its maximum speed, or sadly some accident could nigh on double my commute to or from work. This just added to the anxiety of the day! Where can we find that bountiful Oasis on the commute?

There were also that rare occasion when, after an exhausting day, I would find the trip home just the remedy to alleviate the stress. The fields adorned with crops, the birds flocking to those fields, or the wonder of some music or even a really interesting article on the radio, would help me unwind. I could return home, an hour later, and feel relaxed – the stresses of the day left behind … until I started marking!

Shorter Commute now

As a minister now my commute is somewhat shorter, quicker, not so beset with danger – unless the cat is lurking on the stairs. The whole commute can take up to a couple of minutes, especially if I need to divert and get a cuppa en route.

Finding the oasis in the commute?

As we walk to the office or shop; the bus or train journey, or the trip along the (car-park, that is known as) M62: what do we notice?

We take in life.

All of the concerns with those, head down, burdened with their loads; also we also see the drivers lost in their own journey. We see the wonders of people being helpful; and we see the delights of people being in community, showing love to each other. I recall seeing deer as they crossed the road. There is so much to take in and …pause…be thankful for.

Pray as You Go

I use Pray As You Go in my spiritual journey. It offers that opportunity for us to use the mobile phone app as on the bus, train or car journey (or on the plane (!) – all with due care). We could use it on a PC or tablet or even Alexa – not sure of the Google Home. It gives us just over 10 minutes of music, reflections on a daily changing Bible reading in a contextually appropriate setting. Don’t expect answers – that’s for us to come up with. It brings a short period of reflection amidst the busy day, perfect for the commute.
Here’s another recommendation for the app. Could this be the Oasis on the commute?

So whatever our commute, whether short, like mine is now, or long, as when I was teaching, may we find some moments of peace. May that commute, despite the moments of disappointment, delay or bustle, contain wellspring of moments when you’ll smile, see joy in others.

May we find a moment to find a pause in our busy lives to be thankful.

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