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July-September, 2013

“And the Train Was On Time”

by Rev. Kathryn Vera Streng, O.M.C.

In late April, I was thrilled to attend the “A Gift of Lilies” A Course in Miracles conference in Chicago. While waiting in the train station, I learned from the helpful ticket agents that “Train Day” was coming up soon. “How fun it would be,” I thought, “to take Wrenna, my precious three year old granddaughter on a train ride on Train Day.” The agents created a mock itinerary showing how we could take the train from Kalamazoo and ride an hour to New Buffalo. We’d have four hours there, then return to Kalamazoo, where my vehicle waited.

Wrenna’s parents gave me permission, and I went into action. The day was pure joy other than being cool with periodic rain. The train station had tables set up with cookies, coffee, train coloring books, crayons, refrigerator magnets and pins celebrating “Train Day.” It was festive and Wrenna loved it all. New Buffalo which was the perfect destination, being a short walk to Lake Michigan and through town. The local press welcomed us upon our arrival, took our picture and gave Wrenna a treat.

We walked to the beach at Lake Michigan first. Wrenna threw many stones into the water, her favorite thing. We took shelter away from the beach and ate our picnic lunch. After another visit to the beach, we escaped the rain by heading to the ice-cream store where Wrenna ate an “ice meam” cone, (I enjoyed hot coffee!), and played with toys. It was wonderful to slow down and enjoy this shared time through her happy eyes. Finally it was time to go to the tiny, exposed train platform and wait for the 3:08 train. I wrapped Wrenna in the blanket I had packed along and we sang songs while waiting. Only then did some small intrusive thoughts of fear sneak into my consciousness.

I began to worry about what might happen… the train could be late (it had been late out of Kalamazoo), the little one might need to go potty and we could miss the train while visiting the rest room at the nearby Subway restaurant. The weather could get worse; it was already cold and windy. A lot could go wrong.

Then I remembered something powerful from the ACIM Conference that Kevin Rice shared in his Friday session with Tom Whitmore. I loved the simplicity and clear reminder of what we know to be true in these 3 statements: 1) I don’t know (and I didn’t know anything, so why worry?); 2) I don’t care (no care required; our situation was in the all-knowing, all loving hands of the Holy Spirit); and 3) It is of no matter (since my worries were without substance, they were nothing/of no matter). I breathed these in and relaxed as Wrenna and I entertained ourselves with my snapping photos of us making crazy animal sounds. She was warm on my lap. I forgot about the time. Suddenly we heard the train whistle, and miracle of miracles, it was 3:08 and “the train was on time!” It was a clear demonstration and I was filled with joy and gratitude.

I have shared Kevin Rice’s simple statements with friends and continue to apply them often. They reground me instantly in Truth. They are a welcome and useful tool in my spiritual toolbox. Try it.

© 2013, Pathways of Light. https://www.pathwaysoflight.org
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