Spending more time on a plane this past week got me thinking…
Flying is like life.
Here’s what I mean:
Everyone’s on a journey.
It’s easy to get caught up in a destination that we miss the reality of the trek itself. I typically just want flights to be over. But it’s not good to wish time away.
Everyone is different, but the same.
Ever sat waiting to get on a plane and observed the variety of people in an airport? It’s called people watching. Such diversity. This world is full of people that are different but the same. Life has a way of reminding us just how small the world really is.
Everyone has baggage.
While some seem to break the size rule for carry-ons, I rarely see a person who doesn’t board with some kind of bag luggage in tow. It contains parts of their lives and too much of it can weigh one down. Same in life. Check your bag.
Everyone is trusting the pilot.
It’s amazing that we give full confidence to total strangers to get us from one part of the country (or even the world) to the next while flying in in a tin can 30,000 ft. in the air. So far so good! Ultimately, God deserves our highest trust. Proverbs 3:5,6.
Everyone meets other fellow passengers.
Flying produces forced community. Unless you own your own jet, you’ll be sitting next with fellow travelers sharing the ride. Often unique conversations ensue, and valuable introductions made. I’m still working on the art of that.
Every flight is not a smooth one.
When you hear that beep and the captain announces turbulence ahead, it’s never welcomed, but good to be informed. In life, “rough air” can happen at any time and vary in degree. Stay calm and get through it.
Every landing you can walk away from is a good one.
Flying is the safest form of travel. Still, around 35% have some kind of anxiety around flying. It’s good to pause and be thankful for a safe and completed trip.
Every flight has attendants to help keep you safe and comfortable.
While you may not pay a super amount of attention to the safety brief anymore, the presence of the crew is obvious as they are committed to serving the aircraft during the flight. The best ones make each passenger feel they are the only one on the flight. Thank God for those who can do that in real life.
Everyone is not a friendly flyer.
At the risk of sounding complaintive, some folks could use some helpful instruction on how to be a good passenger on an airplane. Maybe it’s not all intentional. Self-awareness is a big deal and not everyone has it. Same in life. There will be that ONE person that will be EGR (Extra Grace Required).
Every flight requires patience.
Oh, the boarding. Then the deboarding. The waiting. The delays. You get the point. While flying is a fast way to travel, there are parts of it that are just SO SLOW. Not everything is instant, my friend. Sometimes people want the meal, but they don’t want to cook. Good things take time and come to those who wait.
Every section in the plane arrives at the same time.
I can remember one Southwest flight where I ended up at the very front. Otherwise, I can’t think of a time I’ve flown first class. It ain’t cheap. Yes, they get amenities that sections behind them don’t. But the same plane carrying them carries me and we all land at the same time.
Again, we’re all on a journey, we’re all different, but we’re all the same, and we all need to trust the Pilot to get us to our destination safely.
Travel well and be a kind and helpful traveler.
What are your thoughts on flying?
I'd love to hear your comments.
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