My Only Time Flying First Class
Several years ago I was returning home from a hunting trip with my son Spencer. He was about 14 years old at the time. We were in the Denver airport and it was extremely busy. We were sitting at our gate waiting to board the plane when I noticed an elderly lady walking towards us. She was very old and tiny and she was carrying bags that looked to be as big as her. She was bent over and struggling and I could tell she was very tired. She came over to near where we were sitting and sat down to wait to board the plane.
When the flight attendants finally let people start boarding I got up and walked over to this little lady picked up her bags and told her to hold my arm and I would take her to her seat on the plane. We walked together up to the ticket agent where he stopped me and told me it wasn’t my turn to get on the plane. I told him that I was not going to board, I was just going help this lady to her seat and then I would come back and get with my son and board when it was our turn. The ticket agent looked at both of us and said OK go ahead and help her to her seat. After getting her settled in and putting her bags away, she gave me a hug and I walked back out, got Spence and went to the back of the line to board.
When we finally got up to the ticket agent again he asked us to wait for a second. Two other ticket agents who were also helping people that night walked over and handed Spencer and I different tickets. They told me that what I had done was a good thing. They shook my hand and said “enjoy your flight”. It wasn’t until we got on the plane that I realized they had switched our seats and both Spence and I were flying home first class. I still remember Spencer’s excitement with the big plush seats and the warm towels. I still remember the little old lady and thinking when I saw her what if that was my grandmother.
I am grateful for the times in my life that I have been prompted to do a good turn. I don’t tell this to bring attention to myself. I tell it because we all have opportunities to do good in this harsh world. Kindness is contagious when we treat our fellow man the way the Savior taught us to. Don’t you agree?
Have you ever felt the Savior’s hand in your life?
Chris Mitchell
Chris Mitchell and his wife Debbie have lived in Newcastle for the past twenty-one years. They have raised five children. They enjoy working on their property and love the outdoors and riding and caring for their horses. All their children are now married and they are enjoying visiting them along with their nine Grandchildren.