Passing the Time

I got up at 6am today, which is unusual for me.  I wanted to scramble an get some reading done before class began.  I managed it and managed to stay on top of the conversation in class but afterwards I was exhausted.

I had a small paper to write over the afternoon and managed to do it and print it off before running to down some dinner; then it was off to RCIA class (an introduction, mainly for people who are seeking to become Catholic).  I forgot my subway pass and bought some tokens... then couldn't find where to put them.  It was embarrassing because I looked stupid: but in hindsight I was probably the only one who paid the incident any attention.

I was feeling tired and grumpy walking to the church and sat down looking at the sky.  I felt like I'd had it, and could do no more today.

An older lady came and sat beside me: right beside me on the bench.  She had a thick Torontonian accent.  "Whatcha' doin'?"

I felt like she was in my space a bit but tried to be friendly, "hi!  just passing the time". 

She struck up a conversation, being friendly and asking me questions.  It seemed like she just wanted to talk, as neighbours used to, sitting on porches.  I shared a bit of my story and she listened.  And in spite of me, I felt like I wasn't too tired after all.  Strange the way a tiny smile from a stranger can change a whole day.

Thinking back, I was on a bench in front of the lady's building: so I was probably in her usual spot.  And rather than be annoyed, she just took it as someone to talk to.

I'm grateful to her.  And happy.  I had a great session at RCIA as well.  I use the Socratic method.  And I never end up eliciting the responses I'd expect.  The candidates surprise me and open their world to me a bit.  And that's exciting. 

Now to bed.