The Train

Tonight I went with a friend to a concert downtown. We decided to take the light rail rather than dealing with the hassle of trying to find a parking space close to the arena.

After the concert we found ourselves waiting on the train platform with about 300 other Charlotteans who were in a hurry to get to their various destinations. A lady beside us caught my attention. She was obviously upset that the train had not yet arrived. She was beginning to sweat in the heat of the evening. Every few seconds she would look down the track and mumble something about "why in the world isn't the train here yet."

Perhaps she is unaware that grumbling and continually looking down the tracks and being anxious about the arrival of the train will not bring its coming any sooner. The train will get there when the train gets there.

Perhaps I am unaware that being anxious and grumbling and continually straining to see into the future will also fail bring the things I hope for any sooner.

Sometimes I wonder if the train will ever come.

Sometimes I panic and think I have missed the train altogether.

Sometimes my friends get on the train and I have to wait for another.

Sometimes I get on the train and leave my friends behind.

Oh how I wish I could control the train. But I know that being anxious and fearful does nothing to bring or stop its coming. If only I could learn to trust the conductor. He seems to know exactly when the train should come.

Psalm 31:1-3, 14-15, 19, 24
¹ In you, O LORD, I have taken refuge;
let me never be put to shame;
deliver me in your righteousness.

² Turn your ear to me,
come quickly to my rescue;
be my rock of refuge,
a strong fortress to save me.

³ Since you are my rock and my fortress,
for the sake of your name lead and guide me.

¹⁴ But I trust in you, O LORD;
I say, "You are my God."

¹⁵ My times are in your hands;

¹⁹ How great is your goodness,
which you have stored up for those who fear you,
which you bestow in the sight of men
on those who take refuge in you.

²⁴ Be strong and take heart,
all you who hope in the LORD.