So, what comes to mind with this word, “fellowship?”
I suspect there are a raft of simple images that come to mind. The word itself is rather strange; kind of like looking at a cloud. You know that it’s real, but it’s not so clear how it’s real. Is fellowship the activity of:
- People cavorting around in high spirits at a party?
- People cheering and chanting at a soccer match?
- A group of like minded believers singing hymns in church?
Perhaps, but there are times in life when fellowship takes on a whole new order of importance, life and death importance.
Imagine for yourself the cruise ship you selected to experience the journey of your life. You selected this ship because:
- It would sail to all the places you wanted to go
- Show you all the sights you wanted to see
- Introduce you to all the people you wanted to know
You planned this cruise carefully, rightfully expecting a wonderful, happy, fun, exhilarating and, well, perfect trip.
Then, your carefully selected cruise ship tips over. Your life’s journey is upended.
Something went wrong, very, very, very, wrong.
You discover that life had other, more sinister plans for your trip:
- Winds that strike with hurricane force
- A crew who is willfully disobedient
- Rocky shoals appearing out of nowhere
Your life takes a cruel and unexpected turn.
- Your career turns south
- Your sweetheart says goodbye
- Your health abandons you
Soon, you find yourself cast adrift, all alone between the devil and the deep blue sea.
You think you’re about to die, all alone, with neither friend nor foe to share the experience.
Ah, but as this strange and mysterious life would have it, you soon discover you are not alone.
- Others have seen their cruise ships ditched
- Others have found the cold waters of the open sea
- Others are surviving in the midst of hurricanes
- Others have constructed life boats of every size and shape
You don’t know them. You don’t whether you like them. You know nothing of them other than they are just like you.
THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE WAYLAID
It is here where you discover the true meaning of fellowship.
- What happens when other human beings are engaged in the activity of saving each other’s lives
- When we need each other equally
- I pull on my oar and you pull on your oar
“The next best thing to being wise oneself is to live in a circle of those who are.” ~ C.S. Lewis
Just a thought…
Pat
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