“In the event of a decompression, an oxygen mask will drop from a compartment above your seat.  To start the flow of oxygen, pull the mask towards you.  Place it firmly over your nose and mouth, secure the elastic band behind your head, and breathe normally.  Although the bag does not inflate, oxygen is flowing to the mask.  If you are travelling with a child or someone who requires assistance, secure your mask on first, and then assist the other person.”

For many years I travelled for my job and I do not exaggerate when I say that I’ve probably heard this spiel well over a thousand times.  Fortunately I’ve never had to act upon this direction, but where I faced with an opportunity, I’m sure I’d acquit myself well given the training repetition.

But baked into this boring direction that so many travelers treat only as pre-flight background noise, is a nugget rich in common sense and application beyond simply in-flight emergencies.

“…secure your mask on first, and then assist the other person.”

I admit to finding this curious the first time I heard it.  I’m not typically a me-first person so I rarely have trouble putting the needs of others ahead of mine, but that is not the whole point.  The true point is that if you’re travelling with someone, say a small child, who can’t help themselves enough to put on their own mask, then you’re screwed if you pass out helping them.  If they can’t help themselves, how can they in turn help you?

In fact, this bit of advice is even biblically accurate as we’re instructed in the book of Matthew to remove the log from our own eye before addressing the speck in another’s eye. 

I think this principle has a significant bearing on how we are to manage our finances.  Not that we are to me stingy tightwads, but rather we should ensure the security of our own household before bailing out that of others.

I firmly believe that we need to be givers.  Donating money and efforts to worthy causes or to friends and family in need is a noble pursuit.  I believe it is part of our calling and certainly a sign of appreciation for what we have.  But I believe our contributions should come from a position of strength rather a place of weakness.

For example, if I were sell all that I have and quit my job so I could give all my money and time and effort to a homeless shelter then I’ve created a one-time boon for that shelter AND their next patron.  However, if I contribute regularly from my income, then I’ve created an ongoing revenue stream.

But that example is easy as it deals only with extremes.  A tougher example is a family member needing help paying their rent.  I can provide assistance but if I’m covered in debt and using credit cards to make my own ends meet, then we have a blind leading the blind situation.  We should clean up our own financial mess before dabbling in someone else’s…. because if we pass out or go broke helping them, how are they going to help us, and then we’re all screwed.

Photo By: jamiedivine

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