One Plus One

At work we used to have two liquid supplies that weighed five gallons each and when it was time to replenish stock they needed to be lifted onto a shelf about five-foot high and over a large sink. I could manage to get the box onto a surface about waist level, but for that extra push we always called in someone else to help. Then it became an effort of coordination, logistics and execution. The real victory was when your determination overcame your laughter. No matter what new plan we devised, it seems like the 1.5 square foot box always won the first time and we would have to reconnoiter as we realized our upper body strength was not exactly ideal for this battle of wills. It didn’t help that inside the box was shifting liquid that changed its center of gravity and for some reason it would make us laugh as we struggled. If we started laughing midway, we would have to set down the box until we could compose ourselves. Sometimes we would start laughing even before we lifted it off the counter just in anticipation of laughing! I often try to do things without help, but this was one feat that I did not attempt alone - and this way two people were laughing!

When is two better than one?

• Pulling taffy
• Hugging
• Folding king-size sheets
• Water skiing (one to drive the boat)
• Sawing a tree
• Telling a joke
• Playing tennis
• Debating
• Animals on the ark
• Driving cross-country
• Saying/Hearing “I love you”

My prayer for the congregation?

Dear God, In your wisdom and love you saw that your people could benefit by living in companionship. When two people work with one goal in mind, the work is lightened and strengthened by additional ideas. This advent week we light two candles and double the light. Two candles light the darkness and we can see more around us, we can see faces with more detail, and we can see what is in need of repair. This advent let us double our efforts to mend relationships, to work in camaraderie, and to appreciate the gift of companionship.Amen.