“A threefold cord is not quickly broken”
Ecclesiastes 4:12

Beside me sits the one I love. She gives me strength and comfort. She is constantly at work. She watches with care. Her hands reach to guide and aid. When she is beside me I feel invulnerable. I stand before the crowd. She works behind the scenes. They do not realize the way she makes me great. How could they know? She strives to work unassumingly. She is the preacher’s wife. Those who serve as I do know and understand that the wife of the minister is an extension of his work. They bear the load together and he is made better for it.
Many years ago I prayed to God for the one who would walk beside me. My prayer was for God to send the woman who would help my faith to grow. He did. God is able to give beyond what we are able to ask or imagine. For over fourteen years she has been constantly beside me as we make this journey together.
“It is not good for man to be alone” (Gen. 2:18). We are by nature relational beings. Marriage is a holy relationship blessed by God. God also created family relationships and friendships. Jesus never married, but he knew relationship as well as any. He was a son, brother, and friend. All relationships take work and need constant maintenance in order to flourish. We have a personal relationship with God through Jesus our savior. Yet, even that relationship is experienced in the community of his body, the church. Together we share God’s presence through the fellowship of Christ.
Who has God placed beside you? Have you shown them the love and care they crave? Do you share tender words of encouragement and kindness? Can you be counted on for support? We have all been touched by those beside us. Through each one we can feel the loving arms of God. Together we are made strong.