December 2-Woman on the Train

Today required a little more faith. More like Nephi, "And I was led by the Spirit not knowing beforehand the things which I should do." Nephi 4:6.

I was going to New York City. A very good friend had come with her sister, brother-in-law and neice for a couple of days and I was taking the train into the city to hang out with them for the day. I trusted that Heavenly Father would send someone to me and I felt it would happen while on the train. As I waited for the train on the platform I made eye contact with a man. I thought, "Hmm could it be him?" As I got onto the train he sat across the aisle but then a woman sat between us and both put on headphones and that was that. I looked around the train at each individual and thought it could be any of these people. I looked at them as sons and daughters of God with their own story-each one of them Heavenly Father knew and loved. I spent the train ride writing my testimony and some thoughts in the Book of Mormon and then put it in my purse.

I had the most fabulous day. I was just completely happy. Just being around my friend Amy brought me joy. I've missed her! We played and shopped all day. Then it was time to go and again I was awakened to the reality that I still had a Book of Mormon in my purse to give away. As I again got on the train I thought, "Ok this is it." A man sat beside me and again had earphones in. How in the world was I going to be able to open my mouth when peoples ears were shut?

The man got off after a couple of stops and another woman sat beside me. She looked tired and in fact fell right asleep because the conductor had to wake her up for her ticket. The train was an express so I had an hour. I prayed and prayed. "I'm ready Heavenly Father. I'm not sure how I am supposed to do this but I trust you to help me." Then the woman said , "That mans annoying." I was holding a Michael Buble CD that my friend had given me and I asked her if she was talking about that. She replied no but the loud man in the train. Then we were quiet. I picked up my Book of Mormon and started reading it and after a bit put it back in my purse with the spine up. "Ok Krista," I thought, " do something." So I prayed some more.

The woman started making small talk with me. We talked about Christmas and kids and work, etc. I didn't have the heart pumping feeling that I usually feel when I am nervous about something. And I didn't feel the Spirit nudging me forward. I just felt at peace. She then glanced down at my purse, saw the Book of Mormon and asked if that was the play. (Book of Mormon is a very popular Broadway play in NYC right now) I told her no but it was the actual book. I asked her if shed seen the play. She said no but that she heard it was pretty funny. She asked if I'd seen it and I said no but that I didnt like that it made fun of us. She replied that it was ok, we all make fun of each other. But I told her that it wasn't when it was something important to you. (the conversation went something like that) I then asked her if she'd read the Book of Mormon and when she said no I offered it to her. She said she did the Rosary and believed in the power of prayer. I told her I lived by prayer. She said thank you and took the book. She asked what it was and I tried to explain what it was but was rushed as we were now pulling into the station. We walked off together and we both expressed that we enjoyed meeting and talking with each other. Whew! That was hard but in way easy?? Thank you Heavenly Father!