Geese flying in "V" formation as a flock add at least 71 percent greater flying range than if they were to fly alone. In fact science has discovered the basis for this is that as each bird flaps its wings, it creates an uplift for the bird immediately following.
Just as geese support each other in flight, many living creatures depend on each other for survival. For instance, the Colorado aspen tree does not live alone, but grows in clusters or groves. Because each tree sends up new shoots from the roots, these groups are connected by their roots.
You would expect the giant California redwood trees would require deep roots to anchor themselves and support such immense weight; however, their roots are in fact quite shallow in order for them to capture as much surface water as possible. As they grow, their roots spread in all directions, intertwining with other redwoods. Consequently, they support each other against wind and storms.
We are no different in our need for each other. Nevertheless, there are times when we have been hurt and believe our best defense is to isolate ourselves...even from those most dear to us. As it appears life goes on for those around us, we become unable to relate to them. We restrict ourselves to surface conversation, if that. Yet in our all-consuming anguish, we oftentimes fail to recognize those around us are living their own pain. Subsequently we fail to respond to their needs. We forget our lifeline becomes severed without the reciprocal love and support to and from each other.
Just as in certain physical illnesses, we cannot heal without the proper medical assistance, surgery, antibiotics, etc. In extreme cases, to refuse such help could mean inevitable death. The same is true for our emotional injuries. We need the love and support of each other; for to be closed off is to die within ourselves.
"We are bound together by cords of love that cannot be broken." (Author unknown)
This reminds me of a story of premature twin baby girls each born weighing only 2 lbs. One was doing well, steadily putting on a few pounds while the other was constantly crying, leaving her gasping for breath. As the latter continued to decline one of the nurses, against the hospital's explicit rules placed her in the same incubator as her sister. As she snuggled up to her sister, the healthy baby wrapped her arm over her. Immediately the nurse saw her blood-oxygen saturation levels soar. Her breathing improved and the frantic crying ceased. Over the next few weeks as she remained in the incubator with her sister, her health improved steadily.
Having been formed together in the womb over the previous months, the two babies were bonded as one. The healthy baby sister felt her precious sister struggling and reached out to her in love. It was that same love that gave her sister renewed life.
We need each other not only to survive, but to become all God intended us to be. He places those in our path to care for us, to pray for us and to restore our faith-awakening renewed hope in His perfect plan for us. Once we rediscover that sacred link of love that connects us, the healing begins. Just as the aspen and redwood are bound together to support each other from the elements of nature, just as each member of the "V" formation of geese support each other in their flight missions, and just as the precious infant reached out to comfort her sister, we too must open our hearts reaching out and lifting up each other as we travel together through life's challenges and victories.
"You cannot help a personal uphill without getting closer to the top yourself." (Author unknown)
Who is God nudging you to lift up today?
