THE ARM REST
I was diligent to get an early number to ensure a lower number in the first group that was called to board the plane in order to get a window seat. I secured my seat close to the front by a window and established armrest position in the “first come first serve unspoken airline seating rules.”
I hoped for someone not too big to eventually fill the middle seat on the booked flight. The majority of the time it works out, but not this time… Being smashed as close to strangers as if they were family isn’t comfortable for anyone in their right mind.
I keep to myself as much as possible on a flight and make it a hard fast rule to not start conversations with my temporary too-close-for-comfort-neighbors. If spoken to, I like to give as short an answer as possible, but the most important part of the flight is to maintain sole possession of the arm rest… Thereby forcing the other person to keep their elbows in their laps.
I was relieved the older guy who ended up next to me was talking to the lady on the other side, who appeared to be about his age. I kept my head down on my yellow legal size paper tablet scribbling one of these posts that by this point has already been published.
About a quarter of the way into the flight, with everyone settled in, armrest possession firmly established without question, the silver-haired and bearded fella did what I try to avoid. He looked at me at close range…
I could feel him looking. He then glanced down to what I was writing, but now no longer could, due to my concentration being broken by my too-big-for-his-seat neighbor. I tried to give him mental telepathy communication.
I talked to Hi Ho Silver in my mind. I repeated over and over, “Don’t do it”! – “Don’t do it”! – “Don’t do it”! … He did it… He spoke up. “You writin’ a book there”? I dryly answered, “No.” Not good enough for Hi Ho Silver. He pressed on, “Looks like a book”! – “Whach-a writin'”?
One of the few topics he could have probably lulled me into, I’m sure he knew it. He no doubt has come up with some wisdom along with the silver hair in his years.
“A blog,” I answered. His curiosity was piqued along with the third person rounding out our trio on the aisle seat. It was like the old commercial for the now defunct E.F. Hutton.
Those commercials showed two people talking and one of the guys asks the other, “Who’s you broker”? The crowded noisy room becomes instantly quiet when everyone in the crowded room looks directly at the guy of whom the question is asked.Β The man proudly declares “E.F. Hutton.”
I knew it was coming next and was prepared. Hi Ho Silver spoke up, “What kind of blog”? Of course, the crowd grew silent and it seemed the jet engines went silent as well. I confidently said, “A Christian Inspirational Reflection blog.”
“Oh”! He said and continued, “You know Rick Warren”? I politely answered, “Of course – I think everyone knows Rick Warren.” – “I mean – I don’t know him, but I’ve read his stuff.”
Hi Ho Silver and Miss Aisle Seat talked friendly enough; I thought after I told them it was Christian they’d leave me alone. – No dice… I learned Mr. Silver had golfed with Rick Warren a couple of times and the conversation lasted the rest of the flight.
The nice people pressed me for the site address and stated intentions to read. Maybe God will use some simple words to have an impact on their lives. That’s my hope.
Somehow in the flight and conversation, I was unarmed…
I looked down at the end of the flight and noticed my left elbow in my lap…
I noticed Hi Ho Silver’s squarely on MY arm rest…
He was good, I mean really good…
Lisa notes...
Wednesday, August 3, 2011 @ 8:41 am
This is so good, Floyd. I can so relate to your wanting to avoid the conversation. But I’m glad God had other intentions for you that day. Who knows–your seat/aisle neighbors might be reading this particular blog right now and being blessed by it!
Floyd
Wednesday, August 3, 2011 @ 8:54 am
Thanks Lisa, you already know I like to avoid that kind of thing, but I think your right. God had other ideas for whatever reason?
Jason Stasyszen
Wednesday, August 3, 2011 @ 8:48 am
Ah, that’s great! I was literally laughing by the end. I’ve been on flights like that where I just didn’t want anyone to talk to me. For some reason, it seems like those are the ones someone always ends up talking to be the whole time. Oh well! Thanks Floyd.
Floyd
Wednesday, August 3, 2011 @ 8:56 am
Thanks Jason. Isn’t that the truth? It does always seem when we least desire it, it always happens! Maybe it just goes to show God is the Father of humor as well?
Cindy Holman
Wednesday, August 3, 2011 @ 10:04 am
This is great! Our young pastor actually had a similar experience on a recent flight. He said he hates talking to people and likes to stuff his earbuds to his phone into his ears so others won’t be tempted to talk to him – but no such luck on his flight either. It was quite a story – like yours. Yes – God has other plans for us once in awhile when we would rather just chill out. Oh well- bring it ON!
Floyd
Wednesday, August 3, 2011 @ 10:56 am
Thanks Cindy, this is one of those stories that we could all tell. We’ve all been there. The great thing, in most cases, all of us do what we’re supposed to do. I think sometimes we get into the habit of not acknowledging our obedient acts.
jake
Wednesday, August 3, 2011 @ 8:12 pm
Floyd. Seriously? I loved this. It was so quick and to the point and you ended it SO well. I’m worried about this happening when I fly down south… we shall see. I won’t MIND talking to people (truthfully, I love a good stranger) but one of my purposes is writing. Dear Jesus, isolate me, but not too much π
Floyd
Thursday, August 4, 2011 @ 7:45 am
I know! It’s the perfect time to get some writing done. Good thing God’s in control, we might never talk to strangers… Looking forward to seeing you when you head south.
mo
Wednesday, August 3, 2011 @ 9:14 pm
I tend to be like that on planes too. I’m trying to get out of the habit though, b/c it’s a great opportunity to practice conversation. and armrest theft.
Floyd
Thursday, August 4, 2011 @ 7:53 am
I hear you. Those old habits are hard to break. Armrest theft can be such a lost art! Thanks for stopping by, really enjoyed your thought provoking post about the down limb. Thanks Mo.
Hazel
Wednesday, August 3, 2011 @ 11:45 pm
Sorry you lost your arm rest to the clever grey haired gentleman. You are such a great story teller, and very nice ending too!
Floyd
Thursday, August 4, 2011 @ 7:57 am
Thanks Hazel. I tend to lean to the heavy side. I’m trying to occasionally lighten some of the posts up a bit. I enjoy writing both. Interesting how a mood can be reflected in our writings. Losing an armrest isn’t the end of the world. The surprising part for me was that I didn’t try to recapture it!
Helen
Thursday, August 4, 2011 @ 11:30 am
I don’t travel by airplane anymore. I’m the too big for the seat neighbor. But I understand what you mean about not wanting to talk to strangers. It sounds like you handled yourself courteously, though. I’d have probably fought back for the arm rest. π
Floyd
Thursday, August 4, 2011 @ 11:43 am
Part of my problem is that I’m really too big for the seat too. Those seats weren’t designed for real people. If that flight hadn’t been completely full he would never have sat next to me. He was actually a very gracious man, I try to find humor in difficult circumstances. The worst part of all is that it’s summer in the southwest and the plane air conditioners don’t get the job done. If you know what I mean…
I figure he kinda earned that arm rest.
SethC
Thursday, August 4, 2011 @ 1:16 pm
Great post, I was talking to someone the other day about how airplanes almost require a special kind of grace. Where we acknowledge we’re all super uncomfortable, and try to cut each other some slack. I’m one of those people who tries to write on the plane, and normally I’ll stick in earbuds even if I don’t have my iPod. But it’s good to hear you were open to what God might have had planned.
Floyd
Thursday, August 4, 2011 @ 6:39 pm
We’re all in the same boat aren’t we? I didn’t handle it with as much grace as I could have, but God’s working on me. Glad you stopped by Seth, I appreciate the input.
Bt
Thursday, August 4, 2011 @ 3:11 pm
You had a previous posting in which you referenced “king of the hill” … this is kind of “king of the arm rest”. If I didn’t know better I’d say you are a territorial person π
It is interesting how God created each of us to act and/or react differently in certain situations. Some of us can restrain our curiosity while another must ask … “what are you doing”.
But I guess if we all acted in the same way … it would be a life of few surprises. I liked the surprise ending when you shared how Hi Ho Silver ended up being … “king of the armrest”. Bt
Floyd
Thursday, August 4, 2011 @ 6:51 pm
Yep, and he did it without a fight. I probably shouldn’t be too surprised to be out smarted… In fact, you think I’d be use to it by now!!! It hurts to hear you pin that title on hIm!
Pat
Friday, August 5, 2011 @ 10:28 am
Hebrews 13:2 “…entertaining angels unaware…”
This scripture came to me at the end of the 3rd paragraph…I knew the rest of the story had to include a blessing!
Floyd
Friday, August 5, 2011 @ 10:48 am
You could be right. I didn’t even think about that. I think maybe the blessing was me being able to give up something I truly treasure. Those seats are just too small…