Two Are Better than One

Not long ago Marigene came down with a viral sickness that laid her up for several days. I was reminded of a similar illness that I suffered last November, and of her tireless service to me. (I hope she would say that I reciprocated in kind!) This thing hit me rather suddenly, and when I arrived home before noon, she wanted to know if we should drive immediately to the doctor's. I said, "I'm so sick, I can't wait in a doctor's office!" Instead I collapsed in bed where I remained for two days before finally going to see the doctor. It was a week before I began to feel better.

Marigene tended to me night and day, doing the littlest things to comfort me. And shrugging off the shortness of my words knowing that "something bad" was working in me. During more lucid moments I thought, "How do single people survive these ordeals? I'd have to check myself into the hospital because I cannot care for myself!" Her care revealed a new dimension of companionship - it's not what we get from partnering with others, it is what we need. We jeopardize our longevity and effectiveness by going it alone.

Centuries ago Solomon wrote,

It's better to have a partner than go it alone.
Share the work, share the wealth.
And if one falls down, the other helps,
But if there's no one to help, tough!
Two in a bed warm each other.
Alone, you shiver all night.
By yourself you're unprotected.
With a friend you can face the
worst. Can you round up a third?
A three-stranded rope isn't easily
snapped.

Eccl 4:9-12 (The Message)

I am challenged anew to identify and develop companionships in advance of the falls, the cold, and the attacks. I am challenged to examine my heart for self-sufficiency and independence, and to flee them with vigor.