PERSPECTIVE: Traveling by Train in Gratitude

Every single time, this happens. I’m about to fall asleep and she starts snoring.

I’m on the City of New Orleans train that runs from the Gulf of Mexico to Chicago. Since I got on in Memphis, the woman in the seat reclined in front of me has been quite noisy; her coughing and snoring keep the rest of us travelers up all night long. Then again, we’re all travelers, so what should we expect other than adventure.

When I woke up this morning from whatever sleep I did get, I was pretty grateful. After all, the sun is rising and I have some apt Chris Stapleton going in my ears. It’s a beautiful morning. At this point, I’m past her noise. I’m super flawed and shouldn’t judge others before myself. Indeed, she’s who I should thank.

Around 2 a.m., I woke up due to her snoring. I put my headphones in – this time some worship music – and admired the view of the Ohio River at night. The darkness of miles upon miles of trees and corn gave way to the vastness of deep waters and wide river banks. The north shore of Cairo, Illinois doesn’t offer much in the way of a skyline, but the river itself is enough to demand a traveler to pause in admiration. Thank you, ma’am, for giving me the opportunity to see this, and thank you God for allowing me to do so to the sound of music which worships you. This creation serves as an incredible sign of His majesty – His power to control chaos and make it wonderful.

As I sit here and watch the sun rise to gray skies and tired travelers, I feel so privileged to be in that mix. The sights of the countryside and the moments to reflect as it passes are incredible. (I guess MasterCard would say, “Priceless.”)

When I hop off this train and onto another, in route to my home for Thanksgiving, I can do nothing other than cherish the peace of travel and the beauties of thought, people, and landscape.

In the words of Stapleton, “I see the sunrise creepin’ in… I’m just a traveler on this earth… I just keep rollin’ ‘till I’m in the dirt ‘cause I’m a traveler.

…Oh I’m a traveler.”

1 Comment

  1. Beautiful Trevor, I too love the music of Chris Stapleton,and I love that you have a personal relationship with God, I think of you and your brother often! Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family! You write very well, I would read one of your books! Lol Love always, Aunt Kerri

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