Peas in a Pod

People gathered for the first day of class. Anticipation was high that the course would be valuable, fun, and meet the requirements for the degree being sought. The tables began filling with students, books, laptops, notebooks, and lots of coffee or soft drinks. Some knew each other from other classes, however most did not. Who would ever guess that such a day would change the lives of three of the participants forever?

The professor entered. Class began. Quickly, three of the students were drawn to one another. It seemed they had always know each other. It felt as if they were connected. Only time would tell if the relationship they began that day would last.

Over the course of the semester, the three Peas in a Pod as they became called were often seen together. They did group projects together, shared notes, sat together, had lunch together . . . they became a part of one another.

The semester ended--they remained peas in a pod. Each one was someone the other could depend upon, share ideas with, share their fears and pain with . . . and not be found wanting or feel judged. They became stronger together than they had apart.

Time passed. One graduated and moved. Another graduated. They ended in three different states far apart. Trying to maintain, the communication weakened, longer periods of time apart, yet they cherished one another in their hearts.

Finally, one of the peas invited the others to join her in her new home for a celebration. She asked, not expecting them to come, yet hopeful that the yearning to be with one another would finally be fulfilled. One of the three responded that she would be there. Time passed and finally the third of the three was able to arrange to come. At last, with seven years having separated them, the Peas in a Pod would be reunited.

They each anticipated their time together. Driving long distances, adjusting schedules, and trying to explain to the new people in their lives the urge . . . the need to be together again.

Finally, they were reunited. Tears of joy flowed, hugs were tight and long, sleep was given up for the few days they had together. Talking, eating, just being in the same room was so intense it was if they had broken through the surface after having been submerged for a long time, their lungs bursting, and finally taking a deep gasp of life sustaining air. The essence of their relationship--their beings seemed to balance again.

Some times that is how it is with our walk with God. We recognize the connection quickly. We savor it and thrive with it. Then, even though we know how important it is to our well-being, we allow it to fade--to slide. It still exists. We still find the relationship of value and comfort, yet somehow the intensity dissolves. Until something happens and we reach to grasp our life line and hold on.

The safety and security of being loved . . . cherished . . . the accountability to another draws our hearts and we are again whole. We are safely held in the bonds of the pod--free to wander and roam--free to return; always knowing that we are loved and cherished beyond all understanding, means, and measure. We truly belong. They peas are held securely by the loving arms of God.

Comforter, defender, supporter of all our hopes and dreams help us always to remember that it is you that holds our connections to others. Our relationships are stronger through the bonds of your love. Teach us, loving God to be tender with one another and to know that nothing can separate us from your love--or of other peas in the pod when you are our guardian and guide. Thank you God for letting us be Peas in a Pod. So be it. Amen.