Waiting for the airplane, I was happy to get a seat by myself. Just then, an air hostess approached me and asked, “Would you mind changing your seat? A couple would like to sit together.” The only available seat was next to a girl with her arms in casts ， a black-and-blue face, and a sad expression. “ no way am I going to sit there,” I thought immediately. But a soft voice spoke, “She needs help.” Finally, I decided to move to that seat.
The girl was named Kathy. She got wounded in a car accident and was now on her way for treatment.
When the snack and juice arrived, it did not take me long to realize that Kathy would not be able to feed herself. I considered offering to feed her but hesitated, as it seemed too impolite to offer such a service to a stranger. But then I realized that Kathy’s need was more important than my discomfort. I offered to help her eat, and although she was uncomfortable to accept, she did as I expected. We became closer and closer in a short period of time. By the end of the five-hour trip, my heart had warmed , and my time was really better spent than if I had just sat by myself.
I was very glad I had reached beyond my comfort zone to sit next to Kathy and feed her. Love sometimes flows beyond human borders and removes the fears that keep us separate . When we are ready to serve another willingly, we grow to live in a larger and more rewarding world.