From the time I got to Ball State, the MITS transportation system has been the butt of a lot of my joke about Muncie. I talk about how I fear for my life because of how reckless the drivers can be and how I'm afraid to touch anything because how weird germs and stuff. I mean, it's become very easy to make fun of. But, there is one particular bright spot that I love and keeps me coming back to the MITS buses (besides the fact that I don't drive at school, so it's the only way for me to get around outside of campus).
The drivers. They speak to the people of Muncie all day and just sit and listen and talk through the problems, the happiness, the life of these Muncie citizens. It's so awesome and really inspiring. For me, I'm not one to go way outside of my bubble to talk to someone unless they initiate it andsometimes most of the time, not even then. I'm bad at conversation. But these drivers sit and listen to all walks of life and they welcome conversation and try to help when they can, however they can.
I used to think Muncie was this weird, strange place and why would anyone live here. But, since my last ride on the MITS bus, I'm starting to see that this place holds a special kind of group of people. And, really, I think you'll find that most anywhere. That, at the core of wherever you live, there are people, total strangers, even, willing to help out and talk however and whenever.
Yesterday, I was outside of WalMart, waiting for the ever-so-punctual (ha) MITS bus, when a guy who seemed to be a little troubled in his own right. He started speaking freely to me. I immediately thought "what is this guy doing? I can't even understand him. Is he... Just... what? Jeez, guy, just ssh... the bus is coming." I continued on the bus and sat down, hoping the guy wouldn't talk to me again, but I kept an open ear and acknowledged when he spoke. He started speaking to the driver. I did that thing like "oh, I bet she's annoyed," but.... she.... wasn't. She took away all judgement. She spoke to this guy and it seemed like they'd been friends for a while. I figured he's probably a regular. She was friendly and nice and willing to offer anything she could via conversation. When the guy left, she told him to be careful and have a nice evening. Then we rode off. Simple as that.
Needless to say, I was immediately embarrassed. I, being a Christian seeking to love and much as possible, held judgement out for that guy who I didn't even know. We can find love everywhere. Even in this town that everyone talks about with disgust. Even the drivers of the public transportation. Even in the lunch ladies at school. I mean, in the oddest places, you'll find it. And... it's awesome. And it inspires me. And it teaches me a lot. Every day.
Woo!
Mary Taylor
The drivers. They speak to the people of Muncie all day and just sit and listen and talk through the problems, the happiness, the life of these Muncie citizens. It's so awesome and really inspiring. For me, I'm not one to go way outside of my bubble to talk to someone unless they initiate it and
I used to think Muncie was this weird, strange place and why would anyone live here. But, since my last ride on the MITS bus, I'm starting to see that this place holds a special kind of group of people. And, really, I think you'll find that most anywhere. That, at the core of wherever you live, there are people, total strangers, even, willing to help out and talk however and whenever.
Yesterday, I was outside of WalMart, waiting for the ever-so-punctual (ha) MITS bus, when a guy who seemed to be a little troubled in his own right. He started speaking freely to me. I immediately thought "what is this guy doing? I can't even understand him. Is he... Just... what? Jeez, guy, just ssh... the bus is coming." I continued on the bus and sat down, hoping the guy wouldn't talk to me again, but I kept an open ear and acknowledged when he spoke. He started speaking to the driver. I did that thing like "oh, I bet she's annoyed," but.... she.... wasn't. She took away all judgement. She spoke to this guy and it seemed like they'd been friends for a while. I figured he's probably a regular. She was friendly and nice and willing to offer anything she could via conversation. When the guy left, she told him to be careful and have a nice evening. Then we rode off. Simple as that.
Needless to say, I was immediately embarrassed. I, being a Christian seeking to love and much as possible, held judgement out for that guy who I didn't even know. We can find love everywhere. Even in this town that everyone talks about with disgust. Even the drivers of the public transportation. Even in the lunch ladies at school. I mean, in the oddest places, you'll find it. And... it's awesome. And it inspires me. And it teaches me a lot. Every day.
Woo!
Mary Taylor
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