My husband is an NPR junkie, which means that All Things Considered almost always accompanies our dinner preparations. As we were bringing our meal to the table, a commentary on Major Nidal Hasan (the military psychiatrist alleged to have shot and killed 13 people at Fort Hood in Texas last week) was airing. The interviewee was talking about this man’s short, stocky stature and his inability to find a wife as details characteristic of serial killers (who turn their masculine energy to dangerous rage).
Carrying our dishes of salad into the dining room, my husband responded to this comment, tongue-in-cheek, telling me that I had saved him from such a fate. I couldn’t stop laughing. I just couldn’t imagine my six-foot tall husband using a rifle against a human being, owning a gun, or even holding someone else’s weapon, let alone intentionally doing harm to a living soul.
Yet, when I thought deeper about what he said, I realized that his comment about “being saved” by my presence in his life did indeed hold a very deep truth. We humans are made for community, for being in relationship with one another. We have the capacity to affect each deeply for good and for ill. I have encouraged his love of trains, he has encouraged my spinning and weaving. I lovingly prepare his favorite foods, he will come get me to watch the setting sun’s rays turn the sky orangey-pink. We have saved one another from a life lacking these gifts.
Even our God – the Trinity – is in relationship. The Father, Son and Holy Spirit are in an eternal dance. Best yet, through the Spirit sent by Christ, we, too, are invited to join in this life-giving dance through the work of our lives. In praise and prayer (in community and in our homes), with service and rest, we are always welcome into this sacred, saving dance.
Nancy
k3di85 Excellent article, I will take note. Many thanks for the story!