Grace in flight.

As we drove down the QEW yesterday to gather with other members of Q50, Sharon and I recalled some of the goofy travel experiences we have enjoyed (?) together over the years.  I remember the time we were flying somewhere and, just before boarding, the maintenance crew discovered an issue and the plane was taken out of service.  No doubt it was better discovered at the gate rather than at 30 thousand feet.  Nonetheless, an entire planeload of people were unhappy with the change of their travel plans.  The airline had to find a new plane, a different gate, and arrange all the other domino-falling details that go along with it.

Gate agents are well-trained on how to respond to such scenarios.  They did handle the complaining and demands with patience and grace - at least externally.  What impressed me the most, though, was that the captain and first officer of the plane also jumped onto computer terminals and called passengers over to help sort out the mess.  They all worked together to find solutions to get people to their next destination as quickly as possible.  It was the first - and so far, only - time I’ve seen the flight deck crew jump in alongside gate agents to provide the best service possible to their clients.  Surely such menial tasks are below that of an airline captain?

The captain’s work alongside her colleagues was a living example of a gracious spirit.  I have no idea if she is a person of faith but her behaviour was certainly on par with that of life in the Kingdom of God:

She put others ahead of herself;

She was patient and kind even though some treated her and the other staff disrespectfully;

She was optimistic and forward looking:  this will get resolved;

She did not consider her qualifications and title as “Captain” as a “get out of work” pass.

I was so impressed I sent a letter to the airline commending this pilot for her exceptional work.  Yes, it was good PR and customer service but maybe - just maybe - it was also a demonstration of a life invested in the truths of living as a citizen of God’s Kingdom.  Her efforts not only improved our poor travel experience, it also buoyed the spirits of her coworkers.  Who knows the impact she had on them when they finally went home, or the next day, or the next time there was a “rebook the whole flight” crisis?

As much as I value and love the technical details of theology, I can never allow myself to lose sight of the instruction given by Jesus’ half-brother, James.  “Be careful,” he said, “that your faith is not just something you analyze and talk about.  Be sure your faith lives in real life.”  That is a “Grahamology” paraphrase, but it does capture the essence of James’ message.

Let’s look at Jesus’ own example.  The Apostle Paul wrote:

Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.  And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. (Phil. 2:1 ESV)

Or, this found in John 13:3-5:

 Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going back to God, rose from supper. He laid aside his outer garments, and taking a towel, tied it around his waist.  Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples' feet and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him.

Doctrinal and theological fidelity is important.  So also is the expression of that faith in a kind and gentle spirit wrapped in authentic humility.  It is Jesus’ gentleness that impacted the woman at the well (John 4) and the thief on the cross (Luke 23).  The prophet Isaiah described this Messiah as one who would not break a bruised reed or extinguish a smoldering wick (Isa. 42:3).  I love those images of gentleness, of mercy, of grace.

It is an incredible, sometimes costly, privilege to be reflectors of the love and heart of God.  I readily admit I don’t do it perfectly or consistently.  But we can practice on one another and encourage each other as we help others experience the dynamics of faith as Jesus did 2000 years ago.