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March 17 is believed to be the deathday of St. Patrick, who is the patron saint of Ireland. Popularly known as St. Patrick's Day, it is celebrated as a feast day in many countries. Whilst it is not an official holiday here in the US, many Americans celebrate the holiday by wearing green-coloured clothing and items. For the college students, it's a good excuse to be merry, drink and get drunk. 
Back home, I used to conduct in my church a foundation class for new believers, which covers some basic Christian doctrines. One of the most difficult subjects in Christian theology is the Trinity, which is central to the Christian faith. Many have asked, "How can we believe all three (God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Spirit) are God and still believe there is only one God?" I admit that this is a difficult question with no completely satisfactory answer, but part of the reason is that our incredibly limited minds are not going to be able to comprehend an infinite God.
Nevertheless, this doctrine has practical ramifications, not only for theology, but for life - the Trinity teaches us that the fullness of life is found within a fellowship. Life is designed for companionship, not isolation. Without intimacy, there will be incompleteness.
Thought for the Day: Loneliness
Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken - Ecclesiates 4:9-12
Two are better than one! You probably think that these words apply to marriage. Although popular with newly married couples, these verses are actually applicable for both the married and the unmarried. The strange irony of it all is that getting married doesn't guarantee a solution to loneliness. There are people who are married, but who are still lonely. Some marriage partners have a search-and-destroy, adversarial relationship rather than a support-and-encourage, affirming relationship. It's tragic, yet true, that some are married to mates who do not lift up their companions.
Charles Swindoll, instead, argues that these verses are for people who are humans on this lonely planet, wondering how to survive in our "dog-eat-dog" culture. The message is simple, "it is better to have someone alongside us in the battle. We gain perspective by having somebody at our side. We gain objectivity. We gain courage in threatening situations. We gain another opinion."
In other words, there are advantages to co-operating with others. Don't isolate yourself and try to go it alone. Seek companions; be a team member.
Reflection: So, who catches you when you fall? No one?
Source: LAB, p. 1133 & C.R. Swindoll, Living on the Ragged Edge, pp. 133-137.
