The above dates were my mom and dad’s allotted times here on Earth. No matter what words I could write, they would not do them justice. They were two of the most wonderful people. If I had the capacity to choose my own parents 76 years ago, I would have chosen them both.

They loved each other dearly, and it was amazing growing up with them. They were not perfect and if they were alive today, they’d be the first ones to admit that fact. They not only loved each other but needed each other.

Many books have been written about love, relationship, and marriage. No two books are alike. They are a vast and at numerous times, complicated subjects with varied definitions of same and yet, my parents epitomized all three of those institutions.

That little small line in between each of those dates represents our lives. If you’ll notice, it is a very short line. Christ has a plan for each of our short lines [1]. I’ve given that a lot of thought lately especially in my reclining years.

I try to take stock of my life everyday in terms of what am doing with my line? Am I fulfilled, happy, accomplished, and living my life to the fullest? What am I doing for others? What am I doing for others and not expecting anything in return? Am I forgiving? Am I a giving person? Am I loving, joyful, peaceful, patient, kind, good, faithful, gentle, and do I have self-control [2]? I’m sad to report that I have failed each of these at one point in my life or the other. But I will not give up, and as long as I have Christ, His forgiveness, and mercy, I’ll make it, because I know God has plans for me. (His Word promises me so, and Christ IS the Word.) I need Christ in my life and I need you folks in my life.

We all need each other.

And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you. [1 Corinthians 12:21 KJV]

I am reminded of a plant that grows abundantly in alpine areas. It’s called Deer Moss or sometimes, Reindeer Moss. Funny thing is, it’s not really a moss, but a lichen. A lichen is a fungus and an alga that grows together. The thing about this is, neither the fungus nor the alga can survive on its own. They grow together in a mutualistic symbiosis. However, together, they form a plant that can survive for up to 4500 years. We as a human race, rely on each other. We need relationships with one another to survive. No one is an island unto himself.

It’s not easy to live together with spouse, family, and friends, but when the Holy Spirit of God empowers us, there’s nothing we can’t do [3]. The church is the body of Christ and He is the head [4]. The body cannot do anything without the head [5]. I personally cannot do anything without Christ, nor would I want to. I fail many times, but God never fails [6]. He will never leave or forsake me [7] and he is a friend that sticks closer than a brother [8].

Christ teaches us in our vertical relationships with Him, how to love one another in our horizontal relationships with each other. We then, in turn, and knowing how to love the right way, can love Christ in return. Love then comes full circle. Hopefully, it is a perpetual loop. God is love. Do you have Him in your life? Next time, I’ll give you the opportunity to know Him. He has changed my life. GBY my readers.
_______________________________

[1] Jeremiah 29:11 NIV
[2] Galatians 5:22, 23
[3] Philippians 4:13
[4] Romans 12:5; 1 Corinthians 12:12-27; Ephesians 3:6, and 5:23; Colossians 1:18, and 1:24
[5] John 15:5
[6] Psalms 136 CEV; 1 Corinthians 1:9-11 WE
[7] Hebrews 13:5
[8] Proverbs 18:24