Today, I was running on time. (That could mean: 1. I was going to be on time or 2. I was literally running on time. Another reason why I love language and syntax.) In any case, I was running on time for my class. While on the train, I know I have twenty minutes to get to class and it should take me fifteen at max.
Amidst my thoughts, I decide to add in an “alhamdulillah” (praise be to God), which happens naturally at times. Then I begin to wonder whether it was really serious. Did I truly believe this was God’s doing. A part of me responds, “Sure, I could still end up being late. This train could get get delayed indefinitely.” But there is this other part that is smirking in silence. I ignore what it doesn’t say.
I get off at the 58th and Lex stop to transfer over to the 6 train. As I walk up the steps to get to the 6 train platform, I notice that the train is already there. I run towards it and step inside – sigh of relief. There is an announcement: “This train is being held in the station momentarily.” I don’t mind, at least I made it.
A minute or so later, the train doors close. I’m still going to make it on time. the next stop comes. It looks a bit unfamiliar. sigh. 51st Street. One stop in the wrong direction.
Amidst my thoughts, I decide to add in an “alhamdulillah” (praise be to God), which happens naturally at times. Then I begin to wonder whether it was really serious. Did I truly believe this was God’s doing. A part of me responds, “Sure, I could still end up being late. This train could get get delayed indefinitely.” But there is this other part that is smirking in silence. I ignore what it doesn’t say.
I get off at the 58th and Lex stop to transfer over to the 6 train. As I walk up the steps to get to the 6 train platform, I notice that the train is already there. I run towards it and step inside – sigh of relief. There is an announcement: “This train is being held in the station momentarily.” I don’t mind, at least I made it.
A minute or so later, the train doors close. I’m still going to make it on time. the next stop comes. It looks a bit unfamiliar. sigh. 51st Street. One stop in the wrong direction.
I get out and walk all around the train station just to find the uptown 6. When I finally do, the timetable reads: “1. Pelham Bay Park 7mins”. The next train is seven minutes away. I walk down the platform towards the end and sit down on a bench.
The part of me that initially responded back is smiling. Of course, you were right. the only thing that comes to my mind is la hawla wa la quwatta ilah billah (There is no power except Allah).
It isn’t His weakness that my mind can not comprehend His power and greatness, but my own.
Seemingly endless journey still in progress as I continue to run on time. alhamdulillah.
To read more of Iram Ali's work, check out her blog at: http://reflectionsofatraveler.wordpress.com/
The part of me that initially responded back is smiling. Of course, you were right. the only thing that comes to my mind is la hawla wa la quwatta ilah billah (There is no power except Allah).
It isn’t His weakness that my mind can not comprehend His power and greatness, but my own.
Seemingly endless journey still in progress as I continue to run on time. alhamdulillah.
To read more of Iram Ali's work, check out her blog at: http://reflectionsofatraveler.wordpress.com/