intricate web (world wide)

This seems like a good way to end the year... I've been thinking of all of the ways that I/we are supported by so many other people and things that we can often take for granted. A possibly cheesy, but pertinent, picture of this is what happened after an ice storm a couple years ago when we still lived in Indiana. The extraordinary amount of ice that was coating trees in our town ripped and cracked strong branches and made it look like a tornado had hit. Everywhere, the insides of trees were exposed and the sound of breaking limbs resounded through the air like lightning. But when I took a walk (a stupid move in retrospect) in a more densely wooded area, I noticed that the trees that had been planted close to one another were virtually undamaged. They had helped hold one another's branches up. Ironically, that story, too, happened right around the new year, so it caused me to give thanks for the trees (okay, I guess here's where I give into the cheese) that were planted around me. Seriously, though. I'm an oldest child, so sometimes this means that I take a lot of responsibility upon myself and think I have to be extra-self-sufficient. Not only is this unhealthy... it's also impossible.

This morning, at our church which is a bit more liturgical than other places we've called home, I reveled in the warmth and strength of a crowd of voices speaking in unison, and singing well-worn Christmas hymns. At other times in my life, I roundly rejected organized religion, and I still understand the distaste that so many dear friends have toward the often dorky or awkward or cruel (and so on) aspects of church culture. But when I do find myself in a room with people who are reaching out together in faith toward a God who is felt, but not seen as we see one another, I can't help but be moved by the collective need that we all have to depend on something other than ourselves.

Having two little boys has forced me, time and again, to ask for help, and to accept it. I've had someone watch the boys for a day to help in an especially difficult time, and then treat me to dinner. Others babysit and also do dishes or fold laundry. Amazing! Simple! So gratefully received! Extraordinary gifts in ordinary clothing.