This topic has been on my heart to blog about for awhile now, and as I sit here looking at the snow fall, I write.
Together is better than one is a basic concept we learn as young children.
“Share your toys.” “Two is better than one.” “The more the merrier.”
Do we still believe this as adults? Or are we too jaded by pride and what the world has to say? I know I’ve been guilty of thinking in this fixed mindset. But as I’ve been reading scripture, especially in the past month, I’ve discovered what God has to say. And God’s definition of love and togetherness is very different from the world’s.
God says, two people are better than one, for they can help each other succeed. Ecclesiastes 4:9
Together is a really good word. Together is what we need when we hit tough parts of life. Togetherness is what gets us through. And let me tell you, I couldn’t imagine getting through the past 4 months without so many supportive and loving people in my life, so many blessings. I just wouldn’t have succeeded; we really do need each other.
God says, live in harmony with one another (Romans 12:16). This one is hard because sometimes people get on the last nerve you didn’t even know you had. How do we live this one out? I think the answer is clear when God commands, “for the whole law can be summed up in this one command: love your neighbor as yourself.” Loving ourselves is easy, well most of the time, so why isn’t loving others simple? Our culture often tells us to blame others or that it’s because they’re different, and that’s why we have problems. This thought process, a fixed mindset, only leaves room for separation.
Maybe adults need to think more like children and have a child’s heart, I think God mentions this in 1 Peter 2:2.
Will doing things together take longer? Sure, sometimes it will, but it’s about seeing the bigger picture, the process, and it’s about learning. We all have something to offer this world, and as Mattie J.T. Stepanek said, “we are a mosaic of gifts.”
It’s my hope that some part of this blog speaks truth to you. Maybe you’re an educator or parent, and are looking for resources to teach the power of togetherness, of unity, and I’ll post some here. Or maybe you needed a gentle reminder that you can’t do it all yourself. Whatever part speaks to you, I pray you let it resonate with you.
Xoxo
Jess
Resources:
-Writings by Mattie J.T. Stepanek- great collection of children friendly poems.
-Is there really a human race by Jamie Lee Curtis and Laura Cornell
-bleed the same by Mandisa 🎼
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