Connecting in a Car... (no wifi, no BT)

I called for a ride-share this morning from the car workshop; I was feeling flustered and anxious - car problems, the need to tie up some loose ends at work, and a sense of uncertainty re: my future and the eventual paths I should embark on (yes I am approaching the big 50, and it is a significant time for me).

My Toyota Elgrand pulled up, nice and spacious. I got in, and as is my wont, proceeded to engage in conversation with the driver. It was a deliberate attempt to take my mind off myself and my issues, and focusing on Another - connecting can be a Balm for the soul.

I'm glad I did; Patrick was a garrulous soul. We began with why I was there (car troubles), the woes and vagaries of European marques versus Japanese (I've been on the receiving end of tender protests from my 6-year old French 'wife' in this regard), but also the pluses and minuses of the Alphard (his previous vehicle) versus the Elgrand (30K more, lousier fuel consumption, and no 'join-able seats' for the middle row).

"Then why did you buy this one then?" I had to ask.

"Aiyah, Elphard so common now, everywhere got. Some more, the new model front too much chrome, look like hearse!"

What a hoot; I know the impulse to want to be different and stand out as well.

I discovered we were about the same age, he was a 28 year Singapore Armed Forces veteran, still serving his army reserves cos he retired early, was now driving about 4 hours a day, for fun. Two teenaged boys for kids, a carefree and relaxed life for him.

"Don't you do other things, other kinds of work or stuff?"

"Bro, I am happy. I have answered the question 'how much is enough'. I am satisfied, got time to spend with my family, drive a bit, I cannot ask for more. You should ask yourself 'how much is enough', too."

That last sentence probably came out a little stark in print, but it brought me up short, and made me realised that if I could authentically come up with the answer to that question, I could construct the kind of life and terms of that life I want to live, and actualise the essence of the phrase 'godliness with contentment is great gain.'

We chatted further, me affirming and encouraging his perspective, and him telling me it's never too late. So, in a short (15 min) ride, I received Human Connection, affirmation, hope and a smooth ride to my office, which put me in a good frame of mind for what proved to be a fruitful meeting, with me affirming my colleague for her work, being able to communicate my point of view, and us determining a way forward for a project.

I think, by authentically connecting, I naturally 'paid it forward' in terms of my day, to others. How wonderful the mind is, how sublime the hand of the Divine.

Onwards.