What a blessing it is when there are two heads or two hands to solve a problem or repair something broken. I cannot tell you how much I appreciate having a backup person for my job at the Food Cupboard. If I go on vacation Michelle is there to jump in and cover for me.

And what a relief it is when making decisions to rely on Arlene, who has been with the Cupboard for years. Two truly are better than one. Both of these women provide insight that I do not have based on their specific know-how. It is wonderful when we bond together and share what we know. Among the three of us I feel that we can cure almost any computer issue that comes up.

In the Bible we are told that having a second or third person to rely on is not only helpful but can save us from danger. “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor. For if one falls down, his companion can lift him up, but pity the one who falls without another to help him up! Again, if two lie down together, they will keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone? And though one may be overpowered, two can resist. Moreover, a cord of three strands is not quickly broken.”

God created us to live in fellowship with other people. Recalling sweet memories of dearly departed Christian friends includes those where we first bonded over prayer and/or food. When we find those souls that add to our lives don’t we feel great joy?

Marriage is a strong bond of two that brings many benefits, one of which is having a companion in whatever adventure we might choose to endeavor, be it an exciting vacation or to share a game of cribbage after dinner. What a blessing this bond brings to many of us.

I think of widows I know who have enjoyed this bond as a blessing but now are alone when they least expected. This turn of events can lead to isolation unless we reach out to each other. We must decide to ask others to join us in our everyday lives or invite ourselves into their lives.

For many of us who do not have family living close by, volunteering with a group is a blessing. Our church provides the same sweet bonding by scheduling regular dinners throughout the year to enhance our fellowship. I also find pleasure in praying with multiple friends.

There are so many ways to invite others into our lives. Laughter is one – God loves laughter. One of the most enjoyable times I have is when I invite other ladies over to lunch and laughter. Laughter is a healing bond assuring us that we are still vital and we are still useful, and our brains are humming with good ideas.

I can tell you there are times when God puts some thought or words in front of me and I start laughing until the tears flow, and I can’t even tell Neil what it is because I cannot speak. That is a very special bond – the one I have with my Father God.

Think of the bond of three which cannot be broken – God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. What an amazing bond of love and joy that surely is. As grave as our world has become with wars and filled with sin, perversion and hate, I know that there remains for me a wonderful joy that is shared by God and by knowing Him.

For me, that is the most important bond I will ever have in my life – the one with God, my Father, Redeemer and Advocate. This bond will never fail, and the cords that bind us together will only become stronger and stronger as I seek to do His good will and know His Holy words. Trust and obey – that song is absolutely right. “Trust and obey, for there is no other way to be happy in Jesus but to trust and obey.”

As I watch life around me I see many bonds – between siblings, parents and children, best friends, husbands and wives – but above all the bond that impresses me the most is when I can see that an individual is bonded to our Lord. There is a joy in the Lord that cannot be hidden or broken.

So, as I ask myself where I should be making new bonds or possibly creating them with others – maybe younger Christians – I will be praying and asking God to show me the opportunities He has prepared for me. What joy another soul can bring to our lives if we will just let them in.

Editor’s note: Amy Patsch writes from Ocean City. Email her at writerGoodGod@gmail.com.