I was running through the Atlanta airport to catch a tight connecting flight. I rushed onto a crowded shuttle train to change terminals. A little boy sprinted ahead of his family and jumped onto the shuttle beside me. The doors closed behind him. The rest of his family were still on the platform.

His parent’s faces instantly dropped. I saw the desperation in his mother’s eyes. I shouted through the glass, “We will meet you at the next stop. I will take care of him.” They were too shocked to respond as the train sped off.

I took a knee next to him and introduced myself. Even through the mask, I could tell he was a special needs kid and anxiety was overwhelming him. I fully understood why his mom was in a panic.

We got off at the next stop, and a voice announced there was a problem that would delay train service. I was now certain I would miss my flight, and my schedule for the day was in big trouble. I could feel the chaos this would create for me.

I waited on the platform with him for a while. He never spoke, so I told him how much I liked his Ninja Turtles backpack and how brave he was for flying. I talked about how cool this airport was and how exciting it was going to be to see his parents in a few minutes.

Then the shuttles started moving again and his family appeared. They hugged him tight. His mom was crying. I blew them kisses, picked up my bag, and took giant leaps up the escalator. Maybe there was still a chance…

As I reached the gate, my heart sank. The boarding area was empty. But there was a single Delta employee at the desk. From 50 feet away, she called to me, “Mr Culp! I was supposed to release your seat, but I just knew you were going to make it. I took care of you.” I cheered and hustled down the jetway. She closed the door behind me.

As I sat in my seat - the last spot on a full flight - I felt so grateful. Sometimes it seems that there isn’t enough and all we can do is fight for ourselves. It feels like there isn’t room in our hearts to hold the stories of strangers.

But love calls us to risk. To sacrifice what is comfortable and simple.

Sometimes the cost is high and our generosity seems to fall short. But every so often, we catch a glimpse of what’s possible. Our hearts beat together in a rhythm of compassion, and we dance through life together.

May we choose to share more of this kindness with each other.