Leave Beauty in the World
My brother and I were flying home and were in the last boarding group on the Southwest flight. By some miracle, we found two open seats next to each other at the back of the plane. I took the middle seat next to a man with flowers.
I was immediately intrigued and commented on them, saying how brave he was to fly with flowers. I thought for sure they were for his mom, as it was Mother’s Day. As the plane ride continued, we said a few words to each other from time to time. I soon learned he had flown from Baltimore to Florida to visit his grandma for the day. Who does that?! Later, I discovered the flowers were just for him because he loved how pretty they were. He joked, “I’m just the guy with the flower bouquet in the airport.”
I was struck by how beautiful that statement was. When I see flowers, I can’t help but smile and feel lighter. I think that is how we all feel. This man was bringing beauty wherever he went, whether he realized it or not. I know they made me smile amidst the stress of traveling.
At the end of the flight, we were delayed, and a few passengers, including my brother and I, had to rush to our next flight. The flight attendants asked that all people whose final destination was Baltimore remain sitting, so those catching another flight could get off first. Most people didn’t listen, but this man did. As we parted ways, he cut off one of his flowers and handed it to me for the rest of my journey. His kindness left me speechless. This man was living and breathing genuine respect and love for humanity. Its these moments that fill me with so much awe and hope in how connected we all are.
This man left beauty everywhere he went and was generous and kind to strangers. His little gesture meant so much to me, and I carefully guarded that flower for the rest of my travels.
His actions stirred in me a desire to live my life with more whimsy and intention. What if we lived with eyes open to the beauty around us, hearts big enough to love others, truly see one another, and have hands that leave behind beauty and generosity wherever we go? I think that would be glimpses of heaven on earth.
Though I’ll never meet this man again, and the flower has since wilted and died, I will never forget his kindness, which will live on forever.
Who knows, maybe next time I travel, I will carry a bouquet of flowers with me and give them away. Spreading kindness, beauty, and love just like he did.
With love,
Sarah
