On the way home from a recent international business trip, I sat next to a politician whose politics I disagree with. I would even go so far as to say that in the past, I’ve thought they’ve stoked the divisiveness in our country. I am quite confident of two other things: 1. they would disagree with my last statement, and 2. I am willing to admit that there are individuals on both sides of the aisle who engage in that kind of behavior.
Anyhow, just before going through the pre-flight safety announcements, I got up to get one last thing out of the overhead compartment. I made eye contact with this person, and they said, “Can you leave it open so I can put something in there as well?”
I smiled and said yes.
The next thing I did was reach out my hand and introduce myself.
They reached out their hand and let me know what their name was.
A few hours later, I was reminded that at 38,000 feet, we are all on the same team — people trying to get home.
Why don’t we remember that on the ground?
Why don’t we remember that, despite our differences, we are people on the same team trying to get home?
I cannot speak for this individual…
But I am at my best when I remember that my job is to share the love of Jesus with everyone I come in contact with.
I did this to the best of my ability on this flight.