Together. Part 1

I don’t think anyone is better off by themselves. I’m all too familiar with the classic personality differences between introverted people, those of us who get our energy from being alone, and extroverted people, those of us who get a buzz from being around other people, but I don’t think there is a human being on this planet, whether they were introverted or extroverted, who can live a fulfilling life apart from being involved in deep and connected relationships. I’ve always struggled with the introvert/extrovert conversation anyway. I feel like I’m a little bit of both or maybe it changes with the seasons, but I never feel like I’m totally one or the other. Maybe I’m just…verted.
I think we were made to be in relationships. I think it’s a vital part of what it even means to be a human being. I think it’s even a more essential part of what it means to be made in the image of God. The creation of man is the first time the idea of the Trinity is even mentioned. “Let us make man in our image.” God is a Trinity, or at least saying that God is a Trinity is the best we can do to somehow wrap our inadequate language around what God is, but essentially God is relationship. He’s not just in a relationship; He is relationship. So, I think when we are connected in deep meaningful relationships we experience what it means to be fully human, but we are also somehow encountering God. That’s why some of the best times in our lives have been spent with close friends, even if we are doing something ridiculous, well, especially when we are doing something ridiculous. Some of my favorite memories are of me and some close friends hanging out in a kitchen telling stories and laughing until my throats sore. Life together is just so good.
So maybe we should be less concerned with the stuff that we have, or the stuff we don’t’ have and maybe we should enjoy more good conversations. Maybe we should take conflict and discord very seriously. Maybe we should be even quicker to forgive and not even bother with revenge. Maybe we should do more stuff together.

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