If there is anything I have learned this last month in L’viv it is to give myself more time to get from point A to point B, and expect to do more walking than I used to. With the new year came a new transportation regime, with fewer buses and changed routes. I think the purpose is to have less congestion in the center of town and to get rid of some overlapping routes. It is a nice idea in theory, but the authorities may need to re-think or re-design things a little if they expect this plan to be successful, especially with the arrival of thousands of guests for the Euro 2012 football tournament in June.  Because there are fewer buses, they come less frequently, and therefore each bus is more packed with people.  There have been times I have seen a bus so full that the frame is almost dragging on the ground and the doors barely close. Actually, that is not much different than before, though the safety factor should be a concern should an accident occur, God forbid.  So if a bus finally does come, will I be able to fit on it?

Also, where before I was able to catch one or two different buses to my destination I now have perhaps just one bus that takes me where I need to go, or somewhere in the close proximity.  Though the extra walking is great exercise, it is often time consuming and cuts into a busy day.

So what am I learning spiritually in all this?  Isn’t that the question we’re supposed to ask ourselves whenever something tough or bothersome happens to us?  For one thing, I have learned to be more disciplined with my time, making sure I leave enough time for the extra wait, unexpected walk, etc. I have also learned patience while waiting for the right bus.  I have become more knowledgeable about the names of the streets that I don’t frequent, learning the routes of other buses. And lastly, but perhaps most importantly, this is life. I am where God wants me, doing what God wants me to do. I can’t let a little inconvenience take away my joy and cause me to have a bad attitude about a system and situation over which I have no control.

I figured it was time to get back into the habit of writing my blog. I don’t know why or how I got so lazy in keeping up the page, but forgive me. I changed the style and photo, and hopefully I will be able to be more faithful in posting.