“UNCLEAN”!
Maybe my feelings should be hurt? After all, in almost all situations in life we as humans want to be wanted. I was not wanted that day… In fact, I was avoided like the plague. The scads of people all had their choice, free will if you will, to do a quick scan and make a moments quick decision… but not one of them chose me.
I considered the others that were chosen over me. There were bigger, older, younger, men, women, and get this, even small children were picked over me. In most scenarios, a person would feel downright bad about themselves, but not me so much. I kinda considered it a gift so to speak, a lucky break. Then again I knew luck had nothing to do with it.
I sat focused like Obie Wan Kenobi in my seat using “The Force” to dissuade the passersby, “You don’t want to sit next to him,” I told them telepathically. I could almost see them repeating those words in their minds, “I don’t want to sit next to him…” So they moved on, avoiding me like the Biblical leper, looking as if they half expected me to yell, “unclean!”
All the passengers moved by me as quickly as they could, I read some relief in their eyes, but like the game of musical chairs, I knew someone would be forced to sit next to me regardless of how much none of them wanted to. The stewardess quipped, “It’s a full flight today so quickly grab a seat, all aisle and window seats are just a memory now and we can’t close the cabin doors until everyone is in their seat!”
I’m always hopeful in those circumstances that someone very small might sit next to me, but I can’t recall one time that has happened… so much for wishful thinking… As the last few strangers turned the corner to glimpse the seating situation from front to back, they moved past in desperation looking for any seat other than the middle one next to me.
So they lied… It wasn’t a full flight or someone was sitting on someone’s lap. I didn’t shed a tear. “What a break!” I thought to myself at first, until the reality of the situation got me thinking which usually gets me writing… Maybe I should try to appear a little more approachable?
Maybe it’s a reminder to myself that I too need to look at others and consider their heart? While I won’t know it at a glance, I should be open to whatever it might be carrying regardless of what they look like. Isn’t that one of the biggest problems in our society and world? We see someone who often goes out of their way to cover up or mask their insecurities and we resent them for what they’re trying to hide. Are any of us so different? Don’t all of us carry scars and insecurities with us in this fallen world?
Sure was nice to stretch out a bit while I penned this post on my legal pad… Then it dawned on me… It might not be me? It could be the old grouchy guy sitting in the aisle seat? Then again, I’m sure he has his reasons for his temperament… Maybe stepping on his foot on my way to my seat had something to do with it? Just kidding…
I barely grazed his soul…
Diane
Monday, September 3, 2012 @ 12:36 pm
And I’m still laughing at this post! Man, did I need to laugh today.
I love how you slip the “messages” in. I heard it, loud and clear! Thank you, Floyd. Hope your Labor Day is a restful one!
Floyd
Monday, September 3, 2012 @ 1:25 pm
Thanks Diane. Glad you heard it loud and clear! You know I’m not always successful at that! Hope you and yours have a great Labor
Day as well. It’s good to laugh, or smile which is what you’ve done today several times… Love that post at your place today!
Hazel Moon
Monday, September 3, 2012 @ 5:46 pm
I vote for the grumpy guy on the aisle seat that no one wanted to sit by. Not you. We do judge others by their looks and decide if we want to be friends or not. I am so glad that God looks on our heart and not our outward appearance. Most of my friends are handsome and beautiful, but perhaps that is the way I see them. Thanks for sharing your post at “Tell Me a True Story.” I liked this one!
Floyd
Monday, September 3, 2012 @ 6:12 pm
Thanks Hazel! I’m glad He looks at the heart too, I just have to remind myself now and again. Thanks for letting me share it on your site!
Voni Harris
Monday, September 3, 2012 @ 8:48 pm
Would I sit next to me? Some days I’m so cranky, I’m sure it shows on my face. In which case, I wouldn’t, given a choice. Gotta try to remember Jesus and the woman at the well, and with the lepers, and… well, me! How gracious he is to us, as we are.
Floyd
Monday, September 3, 2012 @ 8:55 pm
Me too… He is gracious beyond my comprehension… I’d sit next to you and we’d talk our faces off and God would be praised! Of course we’d have to get past the initial grouchy encounter… Me too! He is that gracious! Thanks Voni!
Mike
Monday, September 3, 2012 @ 11:10 pm
Ihave certainly been where you’re talking about, not wanting anyone sitting by me. But need to give you a heads up
If I see you on a plane I am going. To sit right by you.
.
Floyd
Tuesday, September 4, 2012 @ 6:54 am
I’ll look forward to it Mike! I can only imagine where that conversation would go!
Jason Stasyszen
Tuesday, September 4, 2012 @ 12:31 pm
I’m with you, Floyd. I praise God when there is an empty middle seat next to me. Those seats are small and leg-room is scarce for a tall guy. Even still, I have had some real divine appointments with people on airplanes. I still didn’t initially want them sitting by me, but that’s another story I guess! 🙂
Floyd
Tuesday, September 4, 2012 @ 7:21 pm
I hear you Jason. What we desire for our flesh is almost always the wrong answer isn’t it? I too have had some great conversations with temporary traveling companions… I know it’s never by coincidence.
diane
Tuesday, September 4, 2012 @ 2:14 pm
MMMMM……part of that is your DNA. Good to know your working on that. And by the way family or not..I would have taken the seat if not just for the challenge. Good one!
Floyd
Tuesday, September 4, 2012 @ 7:23 pm
That doesn’t surprise me! You’d probably make me go sit on someone else’s lap! It is most definitely part of the DNA… Thanks Diane.
Joanne Norton
Tuesday, September 4, 2012 @ 5:10 pm
Well, I’m not usually avoided… even though I should be. I TRULY avoid flying. Going to Uganda, etc., I ain’t got a choice, but driving around the States instead of flying and renting a car [so I’d have to worry about any scrapes or scratches on it]makes my life easier. [I’m in control, too… Who, ME??]
I might have misunderstood what you were getting at, but, as usual, you certainly describe reality, one way or another.
Floyd
Tuesday, September 4, 2012 @ 7:26 pm
Thanks Joanne… I think! I’m not surprised to find that you too like to be in control! I was probably trying too hard! I’ll try to be a little more concise next time.
Joy
Wednesday, September 5, 2012 @ 9:26 am
Your post made me think coz when travelling, I just hope no one will sit beside me, coz I want to be alone and not to be disturbed. Hi Hi. And I always look for a vacant sit away from the crowd. But you think differently. Very funny how we thinks!
Floyd
Wednesday, September 5, 2012 @ 9:44 am
We’re not so different, I’m with you, I don’t want them sitting next to me, but sometimes I think I’m supposed to have them sit there… Not the easiest thing to do! Thanks Joy.
Audra Krell
Wednesday, September 5, 2012 @ 1:36 pm
This made me smile too. We all do it, try to will the person to pass by. But you’re right, maybe they really need someone to want them, not one more rejection. I like the way you think. Hope it was a good trip!
Floyd
Wednesday, September 5, 2012 @ 9:09 pm
Thanks Audra… I guess I shouldn’t be surprised that you and I think alike… God forgive me… it was a great trip… I got some writing done…
Lolita Valle
Saturday, September 8, 2012 @ 12:38 am
Most times, it starts with eye contact, then engage and an open invitation is issued and affirmed. Your telepathy works 90%. So those who were scanning for seats overlooked yours. Ha ha ha…… I too love to be traveling in silent waters but not all the time. Women are too sociable and could not live like islands.
Anyway, this gives me a firmer glimpse into the person you are, which is coming across by the way you write. You are an observer and a great thinker. Nothing should ripple that stillness, huh? It should be your space and no one’s gonna defy it.
Joke: I hope they did not scurry away because you wanted them to think you were a terrorist.
Floyd
Saturday, September 8, 2012 @ 12:18 pm
Too funny! No, I’m pretty sure I don’t look like a terrorist. I think most of the people avoid sitting next to me because I take up more than my share of room! Thanks for the nice words, I do think all the time, but don’t know if that crosses over into the “great thinkers,” category! Great comment Lolita, it gives me a glimpse into who you are; what a wonderful personality!