Saturday, October 22, 2011

Family, Friends, and Faith


Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 (NIV)
9 Two are better than one,
because they have a good return for their labor:
10 If either of them falls down,
one can help the other up.
But pity anyone who falls
and has no one to help them up.
11 Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm.
But how can one keep warm alone?
12 Though one may be overpowered,
two can defend themselves.
A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.

    Autumn is sweeping in like a chilly breeze, kissing the leaves into blushing beauty. The crisp air makes me feel like snuggling under a warm blanket, cozying up with my family. I have been thinking for a couple weeks off and on about this next post and have finally found some time this evening to sit down and attempt to put my thoughts into words on the screen.
     About two weeks ago, I was driving to work one morning and saw a sight that caught my attention and snapped me out of my mental to do list long enough to consider its simple, yet miraculous mystery and how it applies to my own life. Two Canada geese flew overhead, very close above my truck. Now, I've seen plenty of these geese and always get a thrill to witness them pass and hear their honking communication. This time, however, I was struck by the complete and amazing synchronicity of this pair. Their wings beat as one, they turned and wheeled over my vehicle as one. Never have I noted such perfect timing in the movement of two creatures up so close.
     As I thought about it, the verses above drifted into my mind and brought up thoughts of how much I appreciate my friends, family, and faith. Life is a tenuous thing; none of us know how much time we have to spend among those we love and change is always on the horizon. I would certainly be a lonely wretch without the support of those around me who care for me and my well-being. Interactions among family and friends may not always flow as seamlessly and harmoniously as those two geese I observed, but when things go wrong, we draw together and see each other through, with prayer and caring words or actions. This is a beautiful and miraculous thing, something everyone needs but not everyone has. I am grateful for the relationships I have with God, my family, and friends and want to be mindful of those around me who may need my support and words or acts of kindness to pick them up when they have fallen.