Being One with Each Other

 

Someone built a new swing. I don’t know why swings make me so happy, but they do. I think that they seem so inviting, so welcoming. This type swing is always made for more than one person, so it just seems to speak of family, friends, children and good neighbors. It actually made me a little sad how, at that moment, it stood still and empty. It is made for others. Swinging with people is the purpose. It just isn’t right when still and empty.

I think God created us that way as well. We live in a culture where we constantly exist in a cloud of perceived independence, of being “self made” individuals, of needing no one other than ourselves. Funny, I’ve never personally talked to a strong, independent and successful person who wasn’t quick to speak of those who inspired them or gave them their chance or taught them the skills and attitudes that they themselves count as the reason for becoming who they are. The one thing such people have in common is that they know they do not exist alone and apart from everyone else. That is why they are generous and compassionate. They respect the contributions of those who made a difference in their lives, and the benefits of the society that made it possible.

John writes how Jesus prayed, “And I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, keep them in your name, which you have given me, that they may be one, even as we are one.”

Jesus talked about “being one” with each other. In fact, that was his prayer for us all, that we realize what we find together, not just in the world to come, but in the every day of the world as it is right now. Together we are as God created us to be. Relationships. Families. Congregations. Friend circles. Communities. In whatever way we find ourselves together, we can experience the more of “being one” with others. We can enjoy a swing.

Peace.