Snapshots From My Walk to Work #PrayforLondon

It's hard to know what to say about the events in London on Saturday night.  Rev T, the Tubblet and I were in London that night at a Depeche Mode concert.  It was brilliant!  NME has a review and some footage if you'd like a look.  Security was tight - bag and body searches - as expected.  We were  on our way home via London Bridge and guessed something was up when the tube driver said we wouldn't be stopping.  We found out what actually happened from Google and a taxi driver's radio. Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone involved and we're so thankful for those who helped.

"The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it." 

I've stomped along that bridge many times, spent hours of my life standing on LB station platform waiting for a train, had loads of laughs in those bars, wasted lunch breaks wandering around the market and popped into the Cathedral to pray.

Two quotes.  One from Father JM that came via my friend, Rev A:

'Last night's attack was also upon the British Muslim population, who were, as it happened, breaking the day's fasting of Ramadan with family, friends and loved ones. The discipline of Ramadan is two-fold: first, fasting to make one aware of the needs of others; secondly, a requirement to show kindness toward strangers. The acts of the men at London Bridge could not be further from both the spirit of Islam and the particular emphasis of Ramadan, and is a gross betrayal of all Muslims. If you see a Muslim today, please show him or her kindness: they will be expecting to show the same to you.'

And from Fred Rogers:

"When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, 'Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping. To this day, especially in times of disaster, I remember my mother’s words, and I am always comforted by realizing that there are still so many helpers — so many caring people in this world."

I look out for beauty, the unexpectedly odd, the joy in little moments each day  I should be better at recording them on Instagram.  But I'm not.

I thought that today of all days, I'd share my morning and evening walk to and from work.  Because you really do have to keep calm and carry on.  

Apart from a brief stint in the libraries of my home town and an office in Surrey, I've always worked in London.  I love the way the old and new is cheek by jowl.  Go down a side street can be like stepping back in time.  The mixture of nationalities is wonderful. I work with people from Britain, Australia, America Spain, Poland and Russia.  There is always something to see, do, new friends to make and old ones to chat too. 

Anyway ... Let's go.  Don't want to be late.  

Turn right out of the station, walk up Ludgate, past St Paul's and then down Cheapside. Swinging into a coffee shop for a Very Important Latte.  During lunch times, I try to go for a walk as well.  It's easier to do on days where there is fair weather than days when it's grey rain.   

Sometimes the days pass in an endless round of home, commute, work, commute, home and bed. Which takes it's toll.  

Anyway, off the train, out of the station and onward ... Watch where you're going and look both ways ... 

We're walking down Ludgate towards St Paul's, then crossing the road to Cheapside.  Walking to the end, then saying goodbye at the Bank of England:

 

And we're here.  Thank you for your company.  Particularly today.  I hope you enjoyed the walk and that you have a lovely day.

[ETA: The Fred Rogers quote inspired this wonderful post from MG over at Reflections from Me, You can make a difference. Please go and give it some love]

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