The Carpenters were a brother/ sister band in the 1970's, who had a string of hits. The brother, Richard, did most of the musical composition and arranging, while the sister, Karen, sang and - at least initially - played the drums. They wrote/ covered and sang a succession of top ten songs from 1969 to Karen's death in 1983.
One of their cover songs is "Rainy Days And Mondays", in which the singer describes how she needs a special someone on those 'feeling blue" days that we all experience. Nothing dramatic: just the need for that one good friend. It's a gentle reminder that we are not made to live alone. Connecting with other people is as essential as breathing. Not just for the days of high excitement, or deep despair; but for every day, including the 'life is quietly happening' days.
I'm reminded of that today, as the rain is gently falling outside. (Yes, we are in Perth and it is raining! The locals are stunned). We all need moments of solitude, to reflect on who we are, and how God has wired us. But, as it tells us in Genesis 1 and 2, we were created to be in community. Relationship is so intrinsic that even God chooses to reveal Himself to us in relationship. He is God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.
For most of history this was so obvious as not to require saying. But our uniquely 21st Century Western mind-set has so isolated us from each other that the obvious does need stating. We need each other. On good days, on challenging days. And on rainy days and Mondays.
No, it is not good for a person to be alone. And so, as I sit here, with the rain gently falling, I am thankful for my beloved, Rhonda, whom God brought into my life. And for my family. And for the community in Christchurch that God has placed us among.
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