They're Not Just People In Seats

When you’re on an airplane you’re surrounded by a bunch of strangers - people you know nothing about but happen to be sharing space with. And if you’re not very social on planes then it’s likely they’ll stay that way and go on with their life.

But recently when I was on a plane and stood up to stretch my legs, I scanned ahead of me about 8 rows and noticed the top of someone’s head but this time, it was someone I knew - someone I just spent 4 days with supporting communities in Nicaragua.

Because of our time together, she’s not a stranger. I know how her husband proposed to her. I know what she’s passionate about. I know what her dreams are, what she’s building, what she values, and a little bit about what makes her the way she is. She’s not just another random person on an airplane, she’s a dear friend.

Seeing her amid the sea of others, I chose to do something that you’ve probably thought of or done before, but I want you to really deeply consider it again:

I chose to see everyone else on the plane not just as another person completely out of context, but as someone with a story just like her.

Every seat is filled with someone who’s a parent or friend. They each have a hometown, heartbreak, and moments of triumph. Every person has their own expertise, insecurity, and vision for their future.

We go about life and we forget that every person we encounter is one of the most important people in the world to someone else. What if we chose to see them like that ourselves?

There’s a faith-based term called ‘Imago Dei’ which roughly translates to ‘seeing the image of God in others’. Religious or not, the principle is simple - slow down to see others at a deeper level for who they are.

If we were to do that - We’d be friendlier, kinder, and more helpful. We’d be more tolerant, patient, and curious. We’d see how much humanity we share with them and not just that we happen to be in the same place at the same time.

Anyway, that was the perspective I acquired when I saw my friend on the plane. Before we met she was just a stranger, and now she’s someone I care deeply for. And I believe each person is capable of the same should we take the time to get to know them.

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