Most of us have been there, that is up in an airplane above the world that seems to slowly but surely spin on. Flights more often then not tend to be tedious and an awkward time of sitting next to a complete stranger who either smells bad, hogs the armrest or doesn’t care to acknowledge your existence or anyone’s for that matter. Well if you know me none of those really fit me except on the way home I probably didn’t smell the greatest. Sorry to those people. As an extrovert and generally friendly person I thrive off of interaction and do not enjoy just sitting there. So I just did me. Which really means I talked to the people around me. Here’s what happens when you talk to people and don’t let awkward situations hold you back:
Flight One (Buffalo, NY to Charlotte, NC):
Sat at the back of the plane, window seat and was one of the last on the plane. Sitting in my row next to me was a middle age businessman and the by the aisle was a female 20-something college student. As I came in and took my seat, squeezing by them I sat down and said hi. The businessman replied hello and jokingly said, ‘no offense but we were hoping you wouldn’t show up.’ Laughing with him I told him I understood. This gave me the opening to ask each of them if this was their last flight or if they lived in Charlotte (our destination). After small talk back and forth we got into why each of us was headed to where we were going. Each of them headed home from work or from school. They asked where I was headed and this allowed me to share about my trip I was heading on and that I was going down for a 10 day training camp. Sharing that the mission trip was one of Christian intent. The businessman shared how his daughter had been on one. Although I didn’t really accomplish anything particular by sharing I was able be stretched in my courage to share what God was doing in my life to complete strangers. I got off that flight and during my 3 hour layover asked God to continue to use me and give me opportunities to share Him.
Flight Two (Charlotte, NC to Atlanta, GA):
Sat at the back but on the right side of the plane rather than the left, still in the window seat. In my row was an older gentleman in the aisle seat and a man old enough to have a wife and a few kids. They were separated on the plane due to travel getting messed up as they were to fly home the day before from their vacation. This was the replacement flight the airline gave them. During this flight I really only engaged in conversation with this gentleman. Little did I know he was a Christian too and after the small talk that precedes any good conversation with a stranger we got into some talk on theology and how God works. I won’t go into the details but it was a lovely hour or so of being refreshed by the energetic spirit of another believer and brother in Christ. I got off this flight after a heartfelt goodbye and was thankful that God put this man next to me to show me that He is at work in many people’s lives and is everywhere. The flight was a blessing to me.
Over top of Georgia on the flight into Atlanta
Flight Three (Atlanta, GA to Charlotte, NC):
The flight home. I sat the very last row on the plane on the left side against the window. This was a smaller plane, only 2 seat per row. Sitting beside me a 20 year old from Maryland/D.C. who was on his way home from a summer academic boot camp. Chatting seemed to be easier with him as he was an extrovert as well. conversation flowed through this flight, excluding the nap for the last 20 minutes. During this time we each were able to share what we had been down in Atlanta for and this lead him to ask about my trip of which I answered. He ended up sharing a bit about him and what he as a student struggled with. I spoke what I felt on my heart to say and I encouraged him, whom by this point revealed that he was a brother in Christ. As the flight landed we each had about 20 or so minutes before our next flights boarded. In this time we grab a snack/drink and sat and continued to share. As it was time to leave I prayed for him and he returned the favour. We had exchanged info on the plane and are keeping in touch. I praise God for another brother and how he was an example of vulnerability and a reminder to keep strong against temptation. This was another blessing to me.
Flight Four (Charlotte, NC to Buffalo, NY):
The last of the flights. Once again I was at the back on the right, window seat. First of the row to get there but was joined by a lady not long after in the aisle seat. We exchanged greetings and started to small talk when a man came in and sat in the middle. That was the end of our conversation but hey maybe I could talk to this guy. That hope came to a swift end when he promptly put his headphone in, the universal sign that means ‘don’t even think about talking to me!’ So a quiet flight this one turned out to be but it was a time I used to relax, worship and thank God for the last week and a half. Besides, I may as well give my throat a break, I still had a 2.5-3 hour ride home that I would share stuff during.
Overall I didn’t accomplish much significant but I was able to be a blessing to others and them to me. It is crazy to me how complete strangers are brought in your path of life and become a blessing. I’m thankful for each of those experiences and they have encouraged me to always reach out and serve and show God off in such a way in North America or I suppose anywhere else I go. Who knows what will happen, after all, international flights are even longer!
