Relationships are puzzles waiting to be explored, experienced, and never completely solved. We are automatically part of at least one relationship, even if the dysfunctions are so strong that we have lost sight of the connectedness.
Yesterday I rested in the sun watching Cherry and the girls play in the tidal waters of West Wittering. A firm breeze was coming in from the southeast, the water brisk and cold, and everyone was playing on a firm sandy base. Dogs chased each other, kites darted up, down, and across, and couples walked. The interlocking puzzles of life were out on display for reflection and contemplation.
The family roles surfaced. Cherry had a goal and quickly took charge in leading Carli and Whitney along. Carli, recognizing her own identity and wanting to honor it, fought the balance between play and staying warm in the waters closest to shore. Whitney just wanted to play in the cool and have fun, enjoying expression of love, care, and happiness that might come along. Each carried a commitment and firmness to their own desires.
As the day played out the ups and downs passed. Kids lost interest in striding through waist high water to yet another tidal island. The debate between playing and staying warm came out quickly on the warm side for Carli. Whitney enjoyed the time alone, riding the tube, wondering about her sister, and just waiting.
Over time everyone got together – tidal island captured and given away to play in one of the warmer pools. The threesome was complete again with all their uniqueness and quirks.
We are family together with God. We all have different desires, needs, and abilities. We share a need of knowing who we are, understanding where we are supposed to be, and how much someone loves us. God is the only one who can answer these questions and fill every need.
We may not know it, but we are family. We are different and “in this way we are like various parts of a human body.” (Romans 12.4) Puzzle pieces complete with God.
