“You can say what you think, but you will live what you believe” – Mark Hall
I flew Southwest Airlines home from Chicago tonight. If you’re familiar with Southwest they have what is called an “open seating” policy. In other words, it’s first come-first serve when you board the plane. Luckily I had a low number so I found a prime aisle seat and was nestled in for the flight home. That’s when it happened. The voice over the loud speaker said (to the almost full plane):
“Ladies and Gentleman, for anyone with an open seat between them (me among others) we have a young mother and her infant child that need 2 seats together. Would anyone be willing to accommodate them?”
Being an evening flight full of weary travelers, you can imagine that not one hand went up. That would include mine. As I sat there looking into the eyes of this mother, the words of Rob Bell and my post earlier this week began to creep into my mind and soul. Louder and louder until I couldn’t ignore it any longer “Live what you say…Live what you believe”! Yet I sat there frozen in my comfort. Waiting on someone else to do what everyone on the plane should have been willing to.
Needless to say, after what felt like an eternity, I offered my seat and we were able to accommodate the young mother and her child. Please don’t misunderstand this post, I am NOT looking for glory. I’m not asking for applause. I’m actually confessing to a weakness. Why the thought process? Why the pause? If I would live what I believe the reality is I wouldn’t even have a post to write. Which is the way it should have been. It should have been a non-story and just another event in an otherwise uneventful day.
Heaven help me.
Wow, now that’s a good thought to ponder….. why the thought process… why isn’t it automatic…. There are sooooooo many times I could apply that to my actions. Many times I am just one big “thought process” just hoping to come up with a rationalization good enough to keep me from acting like Jesus. I probably would have stayed in the seat quickly running thru my thoughts constructing a really good reason why I shouldn’t step out and act like Jesus. I would have stayed in my comfortable chair and thought something like, well, if I give my seat to this lady and her kid I might inconvenience the people that will have to fit me into their row, and since I don’t want to cause a stir it is best that I stay here. The mind can construct some really great reasons why you should not act like Jesus for the sake of others! Man, is that screwed up or what?
Thanks for this thought, something that I can work on so that I can become more like Jesus.
You dah man, even though you like UNC.
Jeff
Thank you for the honesty too JK. “Iron sharpens Iron” man. No doubt the entire list of things that ran through my head as to why or what someone would do to help her. Was pretty disappointed in myself. Can’t imagine how the an upstairs felt. Thanks for sharing the journey brother.
Go HEELS!
Aaron,
That is why this is not a story on my blog, cause I always do the right thing. And even though this doesn’t resonate wtih me, I bet it does with other bad christians all over the place.
Love ya man – wish you were moving here!
Matt the seasoned christian who accomodates screaming children on planes.
Matt –
Thanks for being so transparent. It challenges me to strive for perfection. 🙂
Sorry we couldn’t deny the pull south versus west. One thing is for sure though, as long as I work for my current employer, I will always have roots in Indiana. Let’s get lunch next time I’m in town!!