Together

Recently this word and concept, TOGETHER, has captured my attention.
I thought I would share some thoughts from my ponderings (Is that a word?? LOL).
There are some parts of the definition of the word "together" that I would like to focus on.
1. Not separated
2. Indicates a union of various parts, members.
3. Various elements or members joined in a cooperation.
4. Individual pieces being unified into a structure or arrangement.
5. Free of agitation and upset. Calmness. Unshaken.

One of the pictures that come to my mind is the picture of sheep being scattered in a field grazing. Then when the shepherd calls them, they begin to move toward that sound and come together being joined by the sound of their shepherd's call. (Follow this link to a shepherd in Vietnam calling his sheep.)

I think in life we can become scattered or less connected with one another. It could be with our spouse, our children, our friends, etc. What causes this? Probably a myriad of things. I think busyness is one of the main things. Allowing ourselves to be distracted from the things that are important by things that are urgent (but not important). I think of a recent example of this. A friend and I were working on a project together. I had received news of some immediate changes and reached out to discuss this with her. In the midst of this, she explained that she had set priority to her morning hours being for her father. I honored that and found another way to communicate that allowed more flexibility in her schedule and did not interrupt her scheduled time with her father. She had kept the important thing priority while allowing the urgent thing to be put in its proper order to be addressed.

When we become scattered or separated in our relationships, in our priorities, in our assignments, we can stop and recognize what is happening. It is important to stay united or joined to our relationships, our assignments, our visions, our priorities. When I think about the definition of "together", I also think of the idea of being free of agitation; being calm; being unshaken. It gives me more understanding of the importance of having "togetherness" in my life.

Another thought. Does being "together" mean that everything I do is in direct connection with my husband or another friend? Being in their company all the time to be together. Having no projects or adventures they are not involved in?
No, not exactly. Just think...if it meant that, then every husband and wife who work separate jobs would be in a state of "separation." I think the concept of being "Together" has more dimensions to it than the one dimension of being in the physical presence of someone. How important it is that we stay joined in our love, our concern, our communication with each other. Each one being committed to the health and value of the relationship. Physical contact with people is important, and at the same time, we can be physically together but miles apart in our love, our concern, our commitment, and our communication.

Our "togetherness" creates something. It creates a structure or an entity. It can create a family. It can create a friendship. It can create a business. It can create the reality of a vision or dream. Let us strive to be "together". We maybe separated by physical barriers, and at the same time, we can be joined together in our love and care for one another.

Take the time to communicate. Take the time to ask, "How can I care? How can I show love?"...even to those miles apart. Find the bridge that brings you together.

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