BBC Radio Merseyside Thought for the Day 8/8/2006

We give thanks for the bus stop:
place of waiting and encounter

A sign which guides us towards our destination, a bench on which we meet, a shelter from the wind and rain, a place of light in the darkness.

A blessing on those who wait quietly for the early buses to carry them into work; silent companions in the regular routine;

A blessing on those who stand chatting in the off-peak times; twirlies, shoppers, those carrying babes in arms, exciteable toddlers;

A blessing on those who stand alone, watched by the faces of passing car riders, feeling perhaps a little beside themselves;

We give thanks for the bus stop:
place of waiting and encounter

Help us to understand the anxiety of others which causes some to jump the queue;

Help us to understand the zestfulness of others - especially when the buses are suddenly packed with shouting, laughing, wriggling schoolchildren;

Help us to understand the needs of others - giving up our seat for those struggling on their feet.

Praise for the fellowship of our fellow-travellers, enquiring about the timing of the buses, sharing todays news and views;

Praise for the patience of the drivers, putting up with slow ones, arrogant ones, non-payers, those who get on without any change;

We salute the advertisers who brighten up the bus stops with colourful posters - and forgive them their intention to part us from our money;

We salute the youngsters who turn bus stops into gathering places in the evening - and forgive them their noise, disturbing others around.

We give thanks for the bus stop:
place of waiting and encounter







(inspired by the work of Michael Leunig: www.leunig.com.au)