"It's better to have a partner than go it alone. Share the work, share the wealth" (Eccl 4:9).THE MESSAGE
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| (Neil has my thumb of approval) |
Sometimes I want to strangle my husband. Usually, that's when he: 1. climbs into bed at 11PM, snaps on the light, and slurps ice cream or 2. decides dinner has to meat and potatoes, not a vegetarian casserole like any good husband would adore.
But the old Ann Landers' question tells me, life is infinitely better off with him than without him. So, too, with friends and church family. They're not all as normal or talented or beautiful as we...but we need each other as much as wives need their husbands. How?
- Truth. You believe one thing, the "weird" congregant follows the "off-the-wall" ideology. The truth is probably in the middle. Neil is a United Methodist. I'm charismatic. Blend the two, and we live a well-balanced faith.
- Help. Sometimes we struggle--with our faith or our finances or family. With regular attendance and fellowship, people know our strengths, weaknesses and habits. They can give us a hand. When I run--I fall, sad but true. When I'm hurting Neil babies me. Cooks dinner, runs the vacuum and insists I go to the doctor's when things don't mend themselves.
- Companionship. We humans are pack animals. We need each other. Church offers pot lucks, after-service coffee and Bible studies. All are welcomed, and in continual fellowship, we see beyond our oddities to the strength of our characters. Sometimes I need my space, and when Neil says he's going some place, I rejoice. It never fails. I get anxious if he's gone too long. I want him here.
