A friend’s backyard fence was damaged and we made a plan to rebuild it. A group of us got together on a Saturday morning, picked up supplies and then started planning how to build the fence.
With a “level line” in place we began putting in the vertical posts and cementing them in place. When the last of the 11 vertical posts were set we went back to the first ones, thinking they were sturdy and dry, to put in the fence panels. We installed the first panel, but when we tried to align the second one it was apparent that the vertical posts were not yet secure enough. We agreed to stop and return at a later date to continue the fence building.
The next time we got back to the fence building we found the cement dried but the vertical posts though solid in their foundation, were still a little shaky; they seemed to stand firm and upright individually but they could be moved. We still continued putting up the fence panels. As each one was added the stability of the whole structure increased.
This project taught me there is a connection with our faith. We are like the vertical posts and the concrete is like our faith, which is a foundation that helps us stand upright and keeps us grounded. But we are still shaky and unstable when we try to stand by ourselves. When we connect with others (including God) we are strengthened. We are encouragement and support for one another to better handle the challenges that come our way.
The fence panels were like love – the kind, caring, compassionate actions that connect us together. As strong as faith seems, it is not so alone. Love solidifies faith. It is the connector between faith and hope. I believe that is why Paul wrote in his first letter to the community in Corinth
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