Why I like to T

(In Boston the public transportation system is called the T.  (MBTA--why T?  No se.))

All summer I had my roommate's car and my trips on the T were very limited. But the car is gone and I'm having a bit of a hard time transitioning. Two weeks of distinct break (Girl's Camp and a trip across the country), plus a very different schedule help. But there are days when I want "my" car back.  So, in the spirit of counting my blessings (while waiting for a train earlier), I was considering some of the reasons that genuinely like using public transportation and not driving.  So, in addition to saving bookoodles of money (which is the main reason I don't have a car), here are six (I could not narrow to five) important reasons why I like to T:

6. I see parts of the city that I don't see while car-ing. (Both because I go different places and because I can just watch if I want.

5. I get to talk to and interact with more people and a larger variety of people.

4. I don't have to deal with parking and tolls.  And let me tell you, in Boston that is highly significant.  It truly makes my life easier.

3. I get to read a lot more.  A lot.  I'm amazed how much I've read despite the crazy busy-ness of this week.

2. I get a lot more exercise when I'm T-ing.  I gained 10 pounds this summer and I am quite certain it will come off in the next couple of months.

 And the number one reason that I am grateful to public transport:

1.It helps me be more patient.  
That's not a sarcastic or looking for silver lining or any other such thing statement. I literally notice a drastic difference in my life--not just during transporting time but all the rest of my life. I was quite amazed at the irritation, stress and impatience that reentered when I was driving again. When I'm T-ing I know that I don't have much control over how things go (I don't have much when I'm driving, but someone I think I do) and I just live with it.  And my patient all over goes up.

Related, but really it's own thing, is that that I also have a lot more pondering time.  Many wonderful moments of communion and insight come while on the T--both because of the time and because the Spirit is more likely to be present because of the increased patience and peace.

And that is why I'm really very grateful to T!