There are so many people in this world, but it is a small world at times. Based on the 1920’s concept “Six Degrees Of Separation”, we each are six or less connections away from one another in this game called life. This concept is used with Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and other social media. Based on genetic studies, for most of us if you go back 10 generations, you probably share a grandmother with your neighbor. What makes someone kin to you? Birth? Blood? Spirit? Relationship? Bonding? Association? Adoption? “One touch of nature makes the whole world kin,” according to William Shakespeare.
This word “kin” reminds me about the biblical story of Ruth, Naomi, and Boaz. Boaz became a “kinsman redeemer” when he married Ruth after her husband (Naomi’s son) passed away. A “kinsman redeemer” is the relative who restores or preserves the full community rights of disadvantaged family members. Boaz was not the likely choice, an older man. But Ruth listened to what Naomi told her about Boaz, a good man. Ruth was a blessing to Boaz. Ruth and Boaz would give birth to Obed, who was King David’s grandfather. And King David is a descendent of our Lord Jesus, Who is the ultimate “kinsman redeemer”. With my Savior Jesus, God’s covenant relationship with Israel was completed with the redemption of humanity in Jesus Christ.
Like Boaz was for Ruth, my husband, Dean is for me. Although 3 months younger than I, he is related to a friend, my former supervisor who introduced us. Funny thing as we learned after we met, we were very close to meeting each other in our younger college years right after high school as we attended the same university and knew mutual people. My friend, now sister-in-law told me Dean was a good man, and that he is. And I love him dearly, so very thankful for Dean and the completeness and joy he brings in my life. We have a great relationship, not perfect but work things through. There are differences in how we were raised, and how we raised our children. We differ in opinions on some social and society issues, but come back to our foundation, Christ. Dean redeemed me from emptiness, loneliness, and small living as a divorcee and an older single parent. A late-bloomer, I sought out a new career in my 40’s after raising my two daughters and while my son was still in school. After a rough first marriage I gave up on the thought of marriage for a long time. Then I began to pray for a good forthright Christian man for a couple of years before I met Dean. Perfect timing, jobs, friendships, open hearts, like-minded on important matters, and love that were aligned by God. So happy I ended up with Dean. From what Dean tells me, he feels the same towards me. He calls me his rock, solid foundation. And his queen, not pretentious, his “all natural girl”. “Whatever our souls are made of, his and mine are the same” ~ Emily Bronte.
The saying “birds of a feather flock together” rings true with many people and under most circumstances. We choose to love and surround ourselves with those like ones self. Dating sites such as eHarmony and social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter count on us “birds of a feather to flock together”. But reality is we are so different even among “our own birds, own people”. You are unique. You may want to have alone time rather than socialize. Write or read rather than be entertained by the screen. Fiction versus non-fiction. Documentary or fantasy movie. Find just the right blouse at a small second-hand boutique versus settle for a pricey hot new fashion at the name-brand store. Choices of foods and drinks are varied. There are so many choices in our grocery stores and eateries. That sweet treat is a bowl of fresh organic berries and a dollop of real whipped cream rather than a candy bar. Are your leafy greens arugula laced with a balsamic vinaigrette or a chopped iceberg salad doused with creamy dressing? Will you steep a cup of herbal tea then poured over ice for a cool down at the office or run for that iced caramel latte? Employment at a fast-paced corporate office or slower-paced non-profit? Full-time or part-time? Choices of spouse, house, cars, and investments: loving, dependable, big, small, fast, classic, high-risk, steady … You fill in with your multiple choice answer. Now that you see how you are different, I suppose my point is to live and love in understanding because of those differences.
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Woman Warrior 