Traveling by plane is so commonplace in today’s society that when the slightest thing goes wrong, and our flight is delayed or canceled, we easily get annoyed and frustrated. We have come to expect consistency and reliability from our airlines because they have established long-standing routines that have served the industry and travelers well.
Recently, I’ve been traveling more than usual, so the routines associated with it are becoming second nature. One of the routines is the flight attendant safety demonstration. I often think, Let’s hope we have absolutely no need for any of this information. I had a friend who made it clear that she pays little to no attention during these briefings because, in the event of any emergency, the minute any announcement is made, she will instantly have a heart attack and go home to be with the Lord! I am by no means endorsing not listening to safety briefings. I do my best to listen. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
One part of the safety announcement goes something like this,
“Place the mask firmly over your mouth, secure the elastic band behind your head, and breathe normally. If you are traveling with a child or someone who requires assistance, secure your mask first, and then assist the other person.”
The request to ‘secure your mask first’ is instructive. It makes sense because we cannot properly and adequately help others when we are incapacitated.
Jesus taught on the importance of this principle when he said in Matthew 15:14, “And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch.”
Here are some practical ways in which we can apply this principle to our lives:
- Lead by example. Leading is only effective when we do what we want others to do. To influence by doing what we tell others is powerful. To do otherwise is counterproductive.
- Strive for continuous self-improvement. When we seek to progress in every area of our lives, we avoid stagnation, complacency, and regression.
- Seek help from reliable sources. We will never have all the answers. We must have the humility to seek and accept advice and assistance from those equipped to provide it.
- Refer people to others who are more equipped and qualified when you are unable to provide the solution. We must also never let pride prevent us from seeking the best interests of those seeking our help.
- Criticize less and help more. It’s easy to find fault with those who are doing. Too often, criticism comes from those doing the same thing or doing nothing at all. But when we engage in doing, the focus shifts from criticizing to helping to get the job done well.
So, strive to help others as best as you can. It’s a tremendous desire. But use that desire as motivation to be in the proper position to help. Put your mask on first!