Together

Together

Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble. Likewise, two people lying close together can keep each other warm. But how can one be warm alone?

I WATCH IN SLOW MOTION as the Tupperware container of large, child-sized buttons topples off the table. They scatter, rolling haphazardly to rest next to crumbs and chair legs. Bright, shiny drops of primary colors gleam in the light spilling over from the kitchen.

“Oh, no!” my three-year-old shouts. “Look at this mess!”

I pause, wincing at the way she sounds exactly like me, repeating words I’ve heard myself say when a tube of dropped yogurt splattered across the floor or the baby pushed the remains of her dinner off her high chair for what felt like the millionth time.

“It’s okay,” I assure her. “I can help.”

“No,” she says suddenly, stubbornly. “I do it!”

“Honey, it’s easier with help,” I protest.

“No!” she insists, dumping out the buttons that we just put back, gripping them possessively. Inwardly, I sigh. But I can’t help thinking her behavior reflects my own struggle to do things my own way, by myself.

It’s an easy trap to fall into. Jaded from one-too-many projects where a team member didn’t pull their weight. Disillusioned by the way someone said they’d help, then reneged. Somewhere along the way, it seems easier to do things ourselves.

Self-reliance says, I can do it myself.

But God says, We were meant to work together.

And once we recognize that truth—that it’s better to work with others or ask for help, even when it needles our pride—we gain much more than we lose. A family who cheers us on in each new chapter of our lives. Friends who rejoice when we rejoice and mourn when we mourn. A church community of love and faith and acceptance. We were made for more. Because together we’re stronger, and better, and less alone. The church—together—as one. One body, one spirit, one glorious hope for the future.

Lord, thank you that you created us for togetherness. Help us to strengthen the bonds we have with those around us rather than trying to rely solely on ourselves. Amen.

-Kristin

One Good Step: Thank a friend for helping you when you needed it.