Unexpected Interactions

During my last trip, I had 2 interactions that were unexpected.

The first one was during the long flight over the Atlantic. Our flight was delayed, so everyone on the plane was tired and grumpy. I was hoping to have a row to myself, but when almost everyone had boarded, a couple arrived to sit in “my” row. They had 4 or 5 bags in their hands, and they were struggling to put them in the overhead compartments. At first, they tried to just stuff the bags under the seat in front of them. They sat down in the middle and window seats with their stuff at their feet and in their laps.

The husband touched my leg and said hello. It was in that moment that my attitude changed. I had wanted to just eat the in-flight meal and then go to sleep, but instead, I decided to engage. I offered to help them place their bags in the overhead compartments, as there was space next to where I put my backpack. The man apologetically explained that their carry-on luggage had broken after they came through security. They had scrambled to put their stuff in bags that another passenger gave them. They were embarrassed, though grateful for the help.

We then took turns sharing about where we were going, where we had been, and why. Then the drinks and food came. Our conversation paused, but it was clear now that the 3 of us were on this flight together. We helped each other during the meal, and we found more storage space for the bags that were at their feet. I was really tired, so I went to sleep. They slept too. I got up a few times to use the restroom and stretch, but I never saw them get up.

After the second meal, and before landing, we started talking again. We talked about our families, work, faith, and life. It was sweet to get to talk about Jesus. They listened with intrigue, even though they clearly had a different faith. The man made me promise to visit him the next time I go to the city he lives in, as I visit there a few times a year. I told him I would. When we landed, he handed me his phone to help him connect to cell coverage. We had become something, friends? Aquantences? I don’t know what to call it. I will definitely connect with them the next time I’m in their city.

We departed the plane and went our separate ways. They were arriving home, and I had another flight. It was an unexpected interaction. I wanted to be alone, but that wasn’t how it went. I had gained something by interacting with that couple. I pray that they were blessed, too.

The other unexpected interaction was when I got back home to Phoenix. I arrived at 12:00 am, so I decided to hire an Uber instead of asking a family member or a friend to pick me up in the middle of the night. I got my bag from baggage claim and then went out to the curb. It was my first time ordering a ride on the Uber app, so it took me a few tries. I was tired and worried that I would fall asleep during the 40-minute ride home. As I waited for the red Tesla Model 3 to arrive, I started to get worried because there were so many cars along the curb. I wondered, would the driver miss me? I watched the app and saw that the red Tesla Model 3 was close by. I looked up to see that the red car had parked early in line, the driver jumped out of the car and was walking my way. I quickly started walking towards the red Tesla Model 3, and the driver waved at me. When we reached eachother the driver took my rolling bag, introduced himself, and led me to the car. The driver had a lot of energy, and I knew that this was going to be an interesting ride home. All the worries that I had about riding in a stranger’s car were gone. The car was clean, the driver was nice, and I was comfortable in the backseat.

The driver asked where I had been. When I said Moldova, he was surprised and curious. He asked the typical questions; Where is that? Why were you there? I answered his questions. As I shared when I said the words “church” and “ministry,” I could feel a tension or disinterest.

I then asked him if driving an Uber is a full-time job or a side gig. He said that it was a side gig and then told me the story of how he got hooked on driving an Uber. The uniqueness of each customer and their stories was intoxicating and addictive. He said that 80% of his customers are fun, interesting, adventuresome interactions and he loves doing it. He doesn’t need the money from driving an Uber because his day job earns a lot, but he does it for the interaction.

It was so much fun and life-giving to interact with this Uber driver. He was clearly blessed by the interaction. He said that the moment he saw me, he felt that I was “approachable.” I was encouraged by his affirmation. When he dropped me off, he said, “Promise me that you will keep being awesome!” I said I would and said, “You too.”

Interactions like these remind me of God’s active impact in my life. Life with God is so rich.