one to one: Lessons about life, ministry, and grandkids!

by Keith Burden, Executive Secretary, National Association of Free Will Baptists

Seat 14-D

A few months ago I was returning from a business trip. As the boarding process neared completion, it appeared I might have an empty seat next to me. I had just stowed my carry-on bags and fastened my seat belt when I heard a commotion at the front of the airplane. I glanced up to see a man approaching my row. He was a big man. He had two bags and a large cup of Starbucks in his hand.
 
You guessed it! His seat was right next to mine…14-D. I stood to let him into his seat as he apologized for his tardiness and proceeded to cram one of his bags in the overhead storage bin. Without any warning the bag fell from the compartment. Instinctively, as a reflex action he reached to catch the bag and sloshed coffee all over me…my suit, my face, my glasses, and my hair.
 
Mustering every ounce of self-control, I took a deep breath, retrieved a handkerchief from my hip pocket, and proceeded to wipe off the coffee, cream, and sugar mixture. We took our seats, as the gentleman apologized profusely. I said politely, “It’s okay. Don’t worry about it.”
 
In a few minutes we were airborne, and the captain eventually turned off the fasten seat belt sign. “Excuse me,” the gentleman in seat 14-D said. “I need to use the restroom.”
 
I unbuckled my seat belt and stepped aside as he made his way to the rear of the aircraft. He never came back. I can only assume he found an empty seat at the back of the plane or was too embarrassed to return to his seat.
 
I have witnessed similar incidents during my travels over the last eight years. Sometimes the people who were adversely affected by the actions of another have reacted by calling them names, cursing, or making threats. Each time, I prayed a silent prayer. “Lord help me respond appropriately if that ever happens to me.” I can only hope the folks who witnessed that mishap that day saw God answer my prayer…especially the man who doused me with coffee.
 
Chuck Swindoll said, “The remarkable thing is that we have a choice every day regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day. We cannot change our past….we cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude…I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to us and 90% how we react to it.”
 
People are watching. They see how you act or react, especially as you encounter unexpected unpleasant situations. If you are a follower of Christ, they may judge all Christians based on your behavior. That is why it is important we monitor our attitude 24/7. You never know when your outward reaction to the person in 14-D may reveal what is inside your heart.

About the Column: One to One is a regular feature of ONE Magazine. Written by Keith Burden, executive secretary of the National Association of Free Will Baptists, the column explores life, ministry...and grandkids!