There are certain places in the Bible where simple observations are made about mankind. These observations don’t represent prohibitions but rather suggest that there are certain conditions in which the human experience is simply better. One of the first of these observations occurs in the Garden of Eden, when God says “It is not good for the man to be alone” (Gen 2:18). Lest anyone think that a single mention doesn’t merit much weight, the book of Ecclesiastes declares that two are indeed better than one, and goes on to list four typical life experiences where it is better to not be alone. While we can live a solitary life, we were created to function optimally in the company of others.
This is a point that I have stressed multiple times over the past nine years that I have been writing this weekly column. Not only is it good to have a companion, it is good to have a community that can experience life with you, sharing in your joy, adding to your strength, enhancing the overall richness of life. We do it well here on this small island, and it is the thing that I treasure above almost all else, and I have a much deeper appreciation for it today than I have ever had.
When my dad passed away two weeks ago, I began to personally experience a part of being in the community that I knew existed, and had been a part of providing multiple times in the past, but had never needed to receive. The expressions of love and support through personal visits, phone calls, cards, and various electronic messaging formats was nearly overwhelming. Then the encouragement from my church that I take all the time that I needed to be off island with my mother, being in the place where I needed to be, even though it would place significant burdens on those who agreed to help keep both the church and Jan’s business operating during our absence. I’m a firm believer that it is better to give than to receive, but what a blessing it is when you find yourself in need of being the recipient.
I love this community. I believe in this community. And now, having been on the receiving side of an outpouring of love from this community, I will strive even more diligently to maintain and extend the beautiful sense of community to those who are here and those who come here. But to that end, I ask one simple question – have you embraced the notion of being a part of the community? Community doesn’t just form on its own; rather, it takes deliberate attempts to form connections with your neighbors, stepping out of your own homes and placing yourself in situations where you interact with others, finding common ground, and sowing the seeds of future relationships.
Life, whether it be the highs or the lows, is simply better when experienced with others. I’m so grateful for our community, and I want you to experience that same joy also. So go out and find your place in fellowship with others, and if you need a starting point, come and join us at church this Sunday at 10:00 am.
Peace and blessings – Pastor Aaron