“Though you may know dozens or even hundreds of people, there are only a few whose stories are truly interwoven with yours.”
Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – April 9, 2022
A wise son makes a glad father, but a foolish son is a sorrow to his mother. Proverbs 10:1, ESV
In a highly individualistic and isolated western society, it is easy to think that our actions and decisions are of minimal impact or importance to those around us. Though we may be loved and love in return, we believe the lie that we are principally alone, and therefore both our greatest successes and most catastrophic failures are ours alone to bear. Of course, this is not how we relate to others, as we freely share in their joys and sorrows, yet for some reason it is far more difficult to believe others approach us in the same way.
In Proverbs 10, we are reminded once again of the deeply interconnected reality of human existence. You and I are placed within communities of intimate relationship, either by blood or by choice. This is the normative pattern of human existence, and one that is good to strive after in each and every season of life.
Of course, there are times in which this is more natural and comes easier than others. A parent with children living at home is more immediately connected to a son or daughter, therefore finding it simpler to delight in their wisdom or grieve their folly, to borrow the language of today’s proverb. Yet even as children grow and move into seasons of independence, the bonds of connection are never severed. Similarly, even as time passes and we grieve the loss of intimacy and even the death of those we love most, our hearts remain connected to them and we carry their stories deep within us.
Though you may know dozens or even hundreds of people, there are only a few whose stories are truly interwoven with yours. Can you name them? Are you intentionally walking with them through the highs and lows of life, sharing in and shaping the stories of your lives?
The longer you live, the more you realize just how precious these dear ones are. Friendship and intimacy must never be taken for granted. Cherish it and tend to the health of your relationships all the days of your life, giving thanks to God for the gift of belonging and the countless ways these loved ones point you to your true home and perfect source of love.
Prayer
Father, thank you for those you’ve given us, the family and friends with whom we journey through this life together. Keep us close to one another as we together stay close to you, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Application
As you are able, consider ways to more intentionally invest in your closest family and friends, finding sustainable rhythms of life that are mutually enriching and life-giving.
Related Reading
Proverbs 15:5; Proverbs 15:20; Proverbs 29:3
Worship Resource
Jeremy Riddle: Fall Afresh
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