I was single for most of my life. I was 38 when I eventually got married. I wasn’t sure I was ever going to get married, and I was fine with that. I had chosen differently than most people that I knew. I chose to pursue a career that was interesting to me, move when it suited me, and live where I wanted to live. I prioritized travel and enjoyed the many freedoms singleness afforded me.

Then I had a particular relationship that showed me something new. I was exploring the country in my Eurovan camper with my boyfriend at the time. I had traveled that way many times before, by myself, driving from interesting place to interesting place on a whim and camping along the way. I had thoroughly enjoyed those trips.

But the addition of a companion on this big adventure seemed to change everything.

For the first time I felt part of a team in my daily life. I could sleep in the back while my faithful companion drove. I could trust him to take us someplace interesting, safely. If something bad happened, I wouldn’t be alone in figuring out a solution.

It was an eye-opening and life-changing epiphany. For the first time I felt I might like to have that feeling on a more permanent basis. I was finally ready to contemplate marriage.

I didn’t marry that Eurovan explorer, but I have been happily married for nearly 20 years. I have appreciated this “team” feeling quite often. I enjoy the knowledge that I am not alone in any situation, good or bad, because my husband is here to share my joy or help solve problems together with me. We travel together, move together, dream together, live together.

“Two are better than one because they have a good reward for their efforts.”
‭‭Ecclesiastes‬ ‭4‬:‭9‬ ‭CSB‬‬

God created us to be in community. He Himself is in community as the Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Whether it be marriage or a church family or friends, we all do better with companions. I want to be a good one.

Dear God,

Thank you for giving me such an interesting life alone. But thank you also for opening my eyes to the value of community. Thank you for my marriage, for the church, and for the friends I have. Teach me how to be a true companion to those who need it. Fill me with your love and generosity to share with others so I can be a good friend.