If you are at all like me, then perhaps you learn more from a good story or parable than you do from definitions and theory. I have always found it difficult to explain what it means to be part of the life of the church to someone who has never experienced the fellowship, the commitment, or the covenant that the church embodies. Perhaps this story then will help you as much as it has me.

Many years ago there were two boys born to families of modest means, one blind and one lame, who grew up in different towns, but because of their handicaps struggled through life. In earlier days, these handicaps would have required them to remain homebound or to be put in an institution for their own safety. Locked safely away, they would have lived out their years never knowing the joy of love and friendship. But each of them wanted to experience more out of life and were willing to risk their future on the open road rather than sit in a chair waiting patiently for death to arrive. So when they were old enough, they each set out on their own to explore the world, to live life, and to accept whatever the future had in store.

As fate would have it, or perhaps through the hand of Providence, they happened to meet one day at the foot of a high mountain pass, both were tired, cold, and hungry and beginning to wonder whether leaving the security of home was such a good idea. The blind man, unable to see the disability of the other, begged the other man to guide him through the difficulties that he knew would surely lie ahead.

“How can I do that,” said the lame man, “when I am scarcely able to drag myself along? But if you were to carry me, I can warn you about anything in the way; my eyes will be your eyes and your feet mine.” “With all my heart,” replied the blind man, “let us travel together and we will serve one another.” So leaning on each other, the two travelers enjoyed each other’s company as brothers, encouraged each other and shared their possessions and their dreams. They found that, together, they were able to travel farther with a greater measure of security no matter what obstacles lay ahead.

Through the hand of Providence, we too have been brought together; weak and strong, rich and poor, sick and healthy, young and old, all with a common need, to help one another through the struggles of life. Together with Christ, we make the Church what it is, a people who serve one another on the journey into God's presence. We are encouraged along the way because we know we don't travel alone; we always have God with us and, through the work of the church, the support of one another.

Blessings,
Steve

E-mail: stevegedon@fumcwilliamstown.org

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