Recently, I traveled out of the country for the first time. I had the opportunity to go to London and it was amazing. With it being an international flight, though, it was much longer than a domestic flight. The total time was set to be seven hours and forty-five minutes. In my mind, that was about as long as a full work day, and too long to be sitting right next to two other people. When choosing a seat, I selected a middle seat anyway, because it was a little closer to the front of the plane than all the other available seats.
Once we’d gotten to the airport and to the gate, I decided to speak to the attendant at the counter to see if any aisle seats were left, so that at least, if I had row mates, I wouldn’t be squished in the middle. I gave the attendant my name and she looked at me and said, “Oh no honey, there is no one else on your row. Do not change your seat.”
Of course, I took her advice. Once boarded, I was able to put my carryon bag under one of the seats in front of me. The seats being empty on either side of me allowed me to lift the arm rests and stretch out so that I could be more comfortable. I didn’t have to worry about bumping into anyone or accidentally leaning over on them when I fell asleep. I had my own space.
Everybody Can’t Go With You… and That’s OK.
Okay, let’s cut to the chase. Some of us are on paths that require us to be on a “row” alone. We need the space to stretch out. Often, the problem is that we cannot handle the feeling of isolation and would rather take the middle seat. You see, when we sit in the middle seat, we have restrictions. You can’t quite see out of the window, and you don’t have the option to stretch your legs out into the aisle. We must get to the point where we are willing to sit in the row alone, for the sake of our destiny having the room it needs to make the trip.
So, What’s the Play Call?
I know sometimes the middle seat seems more convenient in our life scenarios. It offers us the security of being surrounded by people we know, and not feel left behind. But, here are a few things to recall when everybody can’t go with you and you must occupy an empty row:
- Know that you are never alone. Nope, God is always with you, even when you feel deserted, so don’t focus on the empty seats around you. “Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” Matthew 28:20
- Know that your calling is yours alone. When you hear the phrase, “everybody can’t go with you”, this is what it means. Nobody else is called to do what you do, the way you do it. It is only logical that you will have times when God needs to get you by yourself. “For many are called, but few are chosen.” Matthew 22:14
- Listen to the Lord’s leading. Just like I listened to that gate attendant leading me into my best option for a good flight, God will lead you into your best option for the destiny and purpose He has chosen for you. “He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.” Matthew 11:15
I know flying solo can be a tough situation, but God knows best, and He will never lead you astray. Whatever you do, don’t change your seat.
