By Jim Hunt
As I stood at the gate in Charlotte Airport, waiting for my flight to be announced, I couldn’t help but contemplate the rush of humanity passing by me. People from all walks of life were on their way to various destinations, be it adventures, jobs, relocations, funerals, or vacations. The diversity of the throng was remarkable. Some travelers wore suits, while others donned sweatshirts and pajama bottoms. Hijabs and yarmulkes blended seamlessly with baseball caps and scarves, and everyone seemed to be moving with purpose towards their assigned gates. The ages of the travelers spanned from newborns to octogenarians, and for every stroller, there was a wheelchair aiding in the movement of the young and old.
Throughout my life, I’ve had the privilege of observing this human ballet in airports all around the world, and the scene is strikingly similar everywhere I’ve been. Except for a few well- publicized incidents, airports are generally peaceful places where people are merely arriving and departing, going about their lives. I often make eye contact with fellow travelers, and most respond with a friendly smile and a nod of acknowledgment. It’s common to see little kids at play, occasionally bumping into your suitcase, and their parents quickly scold them while apologizing for any inconvenience caused. If someone happens to drop their ticket or passport, strangers rush to their aid to inform them of their mishap, and bystanders ensure that no one takes advantage of a disorganized traveler.
It appears to be a lesson for all of us in how a diverse world can coexist harmoniously. Millions of people, on any given day, disperse to thousands of different destinations without conflict or violence. Even the apparent economic differences among travelers are downplayed in this environment. Gucci bags share the same conveyor belt with tattered Goodwill bargain suitcases with wobbly wheels.
But what is the reason behind this peaceful coexistence? Could it be that when you have a clear purpose in life, you naturally focus on your goal and disregard the petty annoyances that might cloud your vision? It’s also possible that recognizing that your fellow travelers have their own unique paths and directions to follow alleviates any concerns about their journeys conflicting with yours. After all, your primary focus is your gate.
Certainly, there are delays in life, and the occasional missed flight can happen. The unpredictable weather sometimes adds an element of hassle, but eventually, everyone reaches their destination.
As I conclude this column, I find myself comfortably seated on a plane, ready to embark on my journey back home. The flight attendant is signaling for all passengers to stow their tray tables and switch their phones to airplane mode. A baby’s cry pierces the cabin, and an elderly man is already peacefully asleep. This moment serves as a reminder that the journey of life continues, full of diverse experiences, passengers, and destinations, yet somehow, we all manage to navigate it together.