Flying the Friendly Skies

My family and I recently returned from a fun-filled vacation in Hawaii. Memories of our adventure started accumulating in our mental photo albums during the flights to our island destination.

The first leg of our trip was uneventful, but as we flew the friendly skies between Phoenix and Hawaii the virtual snapshots began to develop when my husband found himself seated next to an active young boy and his grandmother.

Warren is good with young children but is more comfortable with older kids. Our two teenaged sons and I were sitting across the aisle from Warren and were quite entertained watching the interactions between our Dad and his new friend. At one point Warren was holding a Batman action figure, but we really got tickled when we saw the man of our house playing a mechanical fishing game with the youngster. The boy was obviously delighted to have a new playmate.

On several occasions during the six-hour flight, the boy's grandmother acknowledged Warren's good attitude and patience despite the less-than-relaxing circumstances created by the kindergartner. Not only was the child playful, but he thrived on frequent trips to the potty which meant both boy and grandmother crawled over Warren many times. My dear husband truly captured the spirit of flying the friendly skies.

Unfortunately, the same spirit was absent from the travelers sitting in front of me. A young couple occupied the two seats closest to the window. They must have been completely in love because they had eyes only for one another, except when the flight attendants passed by offering refreshments. The amorous travelers constantly whispered sweet nothings to each other and when it came time to catch a few winks, they propped their pillows together and napped cheek-to-cheek.

It was a sweet scene except for the fact that the young man completely ignored the older lady sitting next to him. He didn't say one word to her the entire flight. It isn't fair to judge others, especially on something that could be considered trivial. Maybe he didn't feel well or is painfully shy with strangers. However, this guy didn't even offer a simple "excuse me" when he crawled over the lady on his multiple excursions to the restroom; even when he woke her up! Most of us don't expect people to befriend every stranger they meet, but there's always a place for common courtesy.

Practical Christianity is not only courteous, but it is also kind, patient, and friendly. All of us have different approaches when we meet strangers. Many of us are "people" people and make new friends wherever we go as in Warren's case. Others of us don't open up as quickly: which may explain the behavior of the amorous young man. But as Christians, we must always be kind and courteous no matter how God made us. Many of us will have days when we want the world to disappear for awhile, but Christ in us should always shine through on some level...even if it's just being civil to those around us when we are feeling out of sorts.

Jesus had days when He couldn't escape the multitudes, but He was always gracious. There were times when He was tired, yet His arms were always ready to embrace others. Occasionally, the disciples drove Jesus nuts and He had to be firm, but He never quit loving them. Jesus was like no other and He is our example. He was the light of the world during His earthly ministry and, now, as His children we are His light. Our lights need to shine even on difficult days. The Holy Spirit will give us extra power for those times when our own light bulbs are completely burned out. Isn't relying on God what Christianity is all about?

"You are the light of the world...let your light shine before others so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven" (Matthew 5:14,16 NRSV).

Two interesting things happened on our journey home. First, Warren's little friend and his grandmother were on our flight from Maui! Warren was hoping to have a more relaxing trip back and was relieved when he was sandwiched between me and an empty seat. However, I'm confident that had he been seated next to the active boy, Warren would have been just as patient and kind as on the previous flight.

Then, on the last leg of the trip I found myself sitting across the aisle from my family. At this point I wasn't feeling particularly friendly or talkative because I was so tired. But, due to the snapshot of the amorous young man that had been previous seared into my mental photo album, I made an extra effort to acknowledge the gentleman sitting next to the window. I offered him the pillow that occupied the empty seat between us. I must admit I had to rely on the Holy Spirit just to accomplish that weak gesture, but I knew some type practical Christianity had to shine through. And it did.

(c)2008 Shona Neff

Comments

[Susan]

I think you captured a very strong point, simple courtesy. Today, we don't allow for common sense or courtesy. In today's society, it is all about rule "mine". Great and friendly article, enjoyed it very much. And the fishing game is a hoot to play!