People are nice

I had to catch a 5:31 a.m. plane last Thursday for a business meeting in Boston. I arrived at the airport in what had always been plenty of time only to find an unusually long line waiting to pass through security. As I patiently waited my turn, it became worrisome that I would miss my flight at the snail’s pace travelers were passing by the guards. I prayed to know I was going to make that flight, that the one Mind was on the scene coordinating the movement of every passenger efficiently and ably, and that I wouldn’t miss my plane. But it was not obvious how this demonstration was going to occur!

I wanted to ask an airline employee if I could jump to the front of the line, but there were no employees in sight and I didn’t want to lose my place in line. I do not like asking for special treatment anyway, so continued to wait. But, if something progressive didn’t happen soon, I was going to miss that plane!

As I glanced back and forth from my watch to the dozens of people standing in front of me, and probably looking a bit nervous, a very nice professional type man behind me said, “Go ask to cut in front of the line.” He offered no explanation, no extra words, and no justification. He was direct, to the point, and rather commanding, “Go ask to cut in front of the line.” That was it. It was the nudge, actually giant mental push, I needed to get over my timidity about asking someone for a special favor.

He volunteered to watch my bags while I walked to the front of the line. I thanked him and followed his directions, asking two ladies very politely if they would mind if I cut in front of them. I explained that my plane was about to take off. They laughed and smiled and replied, “Sure, go ahead. We’re in no hurry.”

I got my bags, went in front of them, quickly moved through security and made it to my plane with the cargo door closing a couple of minutes behind me.

I rejoiced in gratitude afterward for the dozens of people I cut in front of which not a one voiced disapproval or showed anger. It didn’t seem to matter. They all understood. Each was so polite, thoughtful and considerate, and I thanked God again and again to be amongst such nice people in that early morning hour.

People are nice. It's helpful to know this truth!

I imagine most of us have had unpleasant experiences with neighbors not being kind, but overall, I expect most of you will agree, that people are by far and large kind, good hearted and want to be helpful. I certainly would have let anyone cut in front of me if the situation had been in reverse, and maybe that’s why it was so easy for me to cut in front of them, once I got up enough gumption to ask.

I also thanked God for the man behind me that told me to cut. He was like an angel messenger sent from God giving me the push I needed. I was obstinately holding my place in line figuring I deserved to be late like anyone else would for not getting to the airport in time.

But, when I thought about it spiritually, I decided that’s not the way God set things up.

God is a forgiving God. There’s always room for flexibility and accommodation when mistakes are made in the human realm. Love can find a way to meet everyone’s needs when adjustments are needed, and still have everyone come out happy whether they are the one who needs a favor or they are the one granting the request.

I believe people are nice because God made them nice. I was grateful to see that niceness in full blown expression this week.