As I’ve already admitted, I talk to people on buses (and planes and trains and elsewhere.) There are a variety of people on buses…people deep in newspapers or books, people with earbuds, people talking to themselves, people staring out the window. Recently in Philadelphia, I sat next to a woman who was knitting. We fell into conversation. She uses the bus regularly and redeems the time creating things like the little purse you see below. Then she gives them away to children. She gave me one as I stood to get off the bus, to give to someone of my choosing. I was touched. It made me consider how I redeem time that would otherwise be spend just sitting. I tend to read, write, take photos. Sometimes I use that time to think or to pray.
“It’s not how much we give but how much love we put into giving.”
~Mother Teresa
One Sunday, I’ll take this purse to church. I have the perfect little girl in mind.
“No one is useless in this world who lightens the burdens of another.”
~Charles Dickens
How do you redeem time in your life?
This, that and the other thing 
This is such a beautiful and touching post. Thank you for sharing it. Although, I wish I could be like you striking conversations smoothly with strangers.
Warm regards,
-Naima
A good and blessed morning to you, Naima. So good to “see” you again. How’s school? I pray all is going well for you. As for talking with strangers, it’s certainly not something everyone does or that I do all the time, but like so much else, it takes practice. You have a few good years left to try. 🙂
janet
The same as you I read, write, pray and meditate.
This is beautiful. Striking up a conversation with strangers always leads to some insightful things. This woman was wise in giving the purse to you to pay it forward. I love it!
Thanks! Some strangers are too strange, but many others are very interesting. 🙂
janet
Lovely post, Janet. It’s so true, that mustn’t waste our time. I admire this lady for her creativity and kindness. 🙂
I do, too.
A beautiful post which reminds us that our actions, no matter how small, have such an impact on others. I know the little girl you have in mind will be thrilled.
Thanks. I think she will be.
janet
how nice….
Thanks, Randy.
janet
What a cute purse and what a sweet gesture! 🙂
It was lovely of her.
janet
What a lovely post Janet, endearing. Did you give the little girl the purse and if so how did she react???
Tina, I haven’t given it to her yet (just forgotten.) Glad you enjoyed the post and I’ll have to put taking the purse to church on my list for Sunday.
janet
I used to crochet lap blankets for the elderly. I must get back to doing something like that again. Thanks for the reminder to pass along random little acts kindness. : )
My pleasure, Izzy. We all need reminders periodically, I think.
janet
Wow, I am just floored by this woman’s generosity. It’s a powerful reminder that the little things we do every day can have a huge impact on the people around us… I sure wish I could meet you on the bus. The random interacts I’ve had with strangers on public transit are always the best parts of every trip. 🙂
In the spirit of Dr. Seuss…I’d love to meet you on a bus, I’d love to meet without a fuss, I’d love to meet you here or there, I’d love to meet you anywhere. 🙂
janet
Soothing in the late hours here in Sweden – a lovely post. My daughter has this thing about books. When she has read one and finished it, she gives it away. Or rather, she “forgets” it on a hotel room, on a bench in a park or maybe at a café somewhere. She says books are born to travel, to be read and handled by many.
Have a great weekend!
An excellent idea, Leya. I’m a book keeper, so I would have a difficult time doing this unless I already had a copy. I used to do this when I traveled but now that I have a Kindle, I don’t have to carry or leave books.
You have a marvelous weekend, too.
janet