Friends and Family are both important. People are important. A few months ago my best friend and I were going on our 1st trail walk together. Typically, if I were to go alone I walk 30 minutes out so that I have 30 minutes to walk back to meet my 60 minute goal. As we were walking, I asked her how far out she wanted to walk. She said however far you want to go. I told her that I typically go 30 minutes out but because she was willing to go as far as I wanted to go, we could go out 60 minutes to give us a total of 120 minutes(double the distance). In that moment I felt inspired to go further because she was with me. She gracefully accepted the challenge for the same reason.
I reflected on the power of two. The impact of covenant friendship, a marriage, teams, and families. We can go the distance on some paths but we may only go so far alone. When someone is willing to take on a challenge or goal, project, or vision with you it inspires you to go the greater distance and meet greater goals and you both reap the benefits of accomplishing something together that you may not have without the companionship and support of the other.
Scripture talks about the power of two. Ecclesiastes 4: 9-10, “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor.” With the pressures related to the current pandemic like social distancing that impairs our ability to even be among friends and family in the way we are accustomed, sickness, death, the trials of the culture and racial divide, the strain of the upcoming elections, job losses, or just everyday life etc. We need each other. Why? Ecclesiastes 4: 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.”
We do not need just any one though. We need people who have our best interest at heart, people who care and who will help carry the pressure, share the load, and understand us when no one else does. Galatians 6:2, “Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” The key words are “each other”. It is an exchange. It helps to know that another person or persons are present to talk, to listen, to laugh, and to cry with and even to express our frustrations with. Ultimately someone to feel safe with no matter what is going on in the world.
Companionship comes in many forms. Every one of them has significance. Proverbs 17: 17, “Friends love through all kinds of weather, and families stick together in all kinds of trouble.”
The other side of this revelation is not everyone is willing or even capable of going the distance with you for one reason or another and that is ok. Be thankful for the friends and family who can and who will. Nurture those relationships. Embrace the power of together.
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