Two is Better. Lessons from a home renovation

A few years ago the house across the street went up for sale. Like any normal people, we panicked. Up until now, it had been an elderly man living there who kept pretty well to himself and enjoyed fresh baked goods when we had some to share. Now it was anyone's guess. You never know what, or shall I say whom, you're going to get. It could be the man with seven large, loud outdoor dogs or an investor looking to establish a condominium community or trailer park. Either way, we kept a nervous eye on the driveway and were praying for a nice family. Shortly after it went up for sale, a husband and wife purchased the land and home, tore down the house and started a new construction. We eagerly introduced ourselves and what started as a brief conversation while swatting mosquitos and swapping introductory information has blossomed into one of our biggest blessings.

The other night, we were tearing out carpet while our children played in another room. It was about -25 degrees Fahrenheit outside and it was getting late quickly. There was a knock on the door and there was Grampa W, our blessed neighbor from across the street. He had in his hand two large scrapers and a smile on his face. We had no idea what a blessing he would be and didn't even think to ask for the help.

The fact is, two is better than one. We need each other. God did not create us to be alone. When God looked upon Adam, He said, "it is not good for man to be alone; I will make a helper fit for him." (Genesis 2:18) If you think about it and read the text carefully in Genesis 1, you will see that God is not a single unit either.

 'And God said, "Let us make man in our image, after our likeness..." ' (Genesis 1: 26a)

You see, before the creation of Adam, 'aloneness' had never existed (Dr. Del Tacket, The Truth Project). God Himself is a community (Father, Son and Holy Spirit--the Holy Trinity) which is why He was referring to Himself in plural form.  Until Adam, there had always been fellowship and when God looked upon Adam it was directly contrary to the very nature of God Himself. As a result, He created Eve, a help mate and partner for Adam.  To live a life of seclusion is directly contrary to the way we were made. 

The truth is, we need each other. God set within us the need for another and that need is real from the moment of birth until the moment of death. If you are staring a possible divorce in the face, bankruptcy, foreclosure, health issue, legal issue, big decision or just another day, don't weather it alone. Our enemy wants nothing more than to keep you isolated, quiet and detached because he hates you. He will swamp your mind with the lies that no one understands or cares or wants to care. He will fill your head with arrogant thoughts like, "I can do this on my own, I don't need anyone..." when in fact, your heart is longing for an ally. He will keep you wrapped in shame so thick that the fear of letting anyone in will cripple you into hiding and withdrawal. I know shame well. Independence, arrogance and isolation had been three companions of mine for too long. It was terrifying at first to admit weakness, to appear vulnerable and to confess the sin and shame that had kept me quiet for so long. The result? Freedom and friendship that I could have never dreamed of and an impact that I never thought possible. 

"Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil.

For if they fall, one will lift him up. 

But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!

Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone?

Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. 

A cord of three strands is not easily broken." 

Ecclesiastes 4: 9-12

"Bear one another's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ."

Galatians 6:2

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