I was in the midst of my usual daily prayers using some small pamphlets and prayer books with me, when a young Caucasian guy gave me the eye. The ferry (see schedule here: SI Ferry) was loaded with people, most of whom I think were tourists, and even a big group of schoolchildren on their way to an outing in Staten Island. There's a vacant seat next to mine, and the young man eyed the chair, so I asked him if he wanted the seat and seat next to me. On the row of seats perpendicular to mine, a young slim black woman is resting on her back. She must be tired or even annoyed by what's going on in the crowded boat.
After a few seconds from taking the seat, the young man, who turned out to be "Ben" asked me about my beliefs, i.e. belief in Jesus Christ the Savior (see an article I wrote on Him here, or on God's grace as the only factor that will save us from perdition, even if we do what's good and commanded. He quoted something about Paul's letter to the Ephesians. I don't remember quotes, actually---I rather write them according to my style. Of course, I had to make myself ready to explain what I have in mind. I thought proselytizing will not happen to me, not at least in the ferry---as I usually disdain it in most of its forms. We had a brief but great, open discussion, on things religious, and the after life, of leading a life away from sinning, of judgment, of the end of life. I kept on looking on the waves of New York harbor as our boat made its way across to Staten Island.
I have to admit the admiration I had over this young man, I told him that, too, as he's now working in college to become a pastor. He tells me they've got a non-denominational church in upstate New York. He himself comes from Buffalo. These days, it's tougher to become one, amidst all the distractions coming into one's way to become religious, or even lead a spiritual life. I told him about my efforts to attend regular Friday evening prayer meetings, daily readings of the Bible, having my prayer time (of which he interrupted, actually he he he), doing my yoga, among other things.
He asked about a prayer request from me; after blinking I thought I'd him to pray for "immigration reform laws" to be passed by Congress, now in God's most perfect timing. He wrote it down in his small notebook that he got from his bag. I just hoped he'd actually include it in his list of prayers. I told him about my observations on how difficult it must be for him to being Christian, in these interesting times we have now. He could just agree. But he sounded hopeful, and happy ---he's definitely bent on pursuing what he wants in life. Contrast this with someone I know who posted hours before this ferry ride about something on committing suicide on his Facebook account---he was a student of mine in my conversational Nihongo class. I had to go out of my usual way to remind him, after reading his post, and to gently prod him online on seeking his life purpose. To cool down. I wonder how he took to himself my message of him seeking out for his life purpose, after he told me he's got no purpose in life. At least he expressed being grateful for a word from me.
The Caucasian young man's just visiting NYC; he could not even recall which train he took on the way to the Staten Island Ferry Terminal at the end of the 1, R, W(soon to be extinct) trains. He's with others who I supposed was then busily proselytizing individuals caught up during the boat.
Did I just happened to look like a good prospect on being preached about the importance of having a well-thought out "inner life?" I'm basically open to ideas, as long as they're intellectually challenging, and I'm not that tired nor even in a bad mood. But the Lord is always known to work in little ways, most especially in moments when we least expect nor look for such signs. I can always give meaning to this experience, but I'll leave it to the readers to share me what they think is the significance of this. I'll be grateful for that. :-D
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