In my travels there is a unique aspect to India. This is the one regular location I travel to where my transportation is arranged in advance. I know the company, the booking reference number, and the driver’s name. In our first meeting, I will get his mobile number. It is an arrangement design to remove one’s fear in what it would be like to drive in a country with one of the highest death rates in the world. In theory, it also removes the doubt that one will get to where one needs to be on time.
In theory it works. In practice, the one element that often breaks is being on time. My experience is that being late, double booking, or having a substitute driver not appear as agreed is more normal than it is exceptional.
Last week, I had a profession, courteous, and on-time driver. With each punctual day, my confidence and trust grew. I sent the note for this week’s travel with a special mention of his name. My fears jumped on the news that we had changed car companies. I caught my frustration rising. Why was a change needed? What purpose did it serve? How long would it be before I found someone else as reliable?
The surprise of the week has been Rajan, my driver. He is a best in class. If I thought others were good, he is better. Professional? always. Courteous? naturally. On-time? yes. He even comes with a smile. He also answers my international text messages.
The first day I was pleasantly surprised. The second day I found myself hoping this would continue. On the third day and every day after, I find myself filled with a fresh sense of possibilities. Repeating patterns reinforce the idea that it is real.
I realize I am a believer because I took time to notice. I wonder if I willing to see other repeating patterns in my life; “The morning sun’s a new husband leaping from his honeymoon bed, the day breaking sun an athlete racing to the tape.” (Psalm 19.5)
