One day, I was walking down a busy ซอย (side-street) on the outskirts of Bangkok. I stopped at a street vendor to buy a drink, and had a short conversation. Then I waited for her to make my iced chocolate (โกโก้เย็น). It occurred to me that this really is the most joyful way I could imagine living life.

When I am alone, I’m with God.

When I’m on a crowded street, no one is particularly looking but, recollected insofar as God gives it, I can contemplate Jesus in and behind those I meet.

When I’m with friends or making friends, I can listen as if, for every word that is good and true, it is inspired by Jesus, our brother, himself. “Whatever is true… think about these things” (Philip. 4:8).

Everything can be patience, because, as long as I trust that God knows when it’s time for each of these things, there’s no reason to worry about getting alone when I’m with others, getting with other people when I’m alone.

Gaudete!