For Each Other

"And isn't that how life works? We take turns saving each other?" Dorcas, the postmistress, in Larkrise to Candleford

When we think about saving someone, it usually conjures up images of heroic, larger than life rescues, acts of extreme courage, or even self-sacrifice. Those stories are stirring and inspiring for sure, but most of us live very quiet lives. We wouldn't consider ourselves giving or receiving anything on that scale. But in reflective moments, most everyone can remember a time when someone else came forward to rescue them. Those stories while less dramatic, are still life changing: the teacher who encouraged a love of music, the neighbor who always reminded you how special you were, the stranger who offered assistance during your lowest moments and then walked on never to be seen again. In whatever circumstances the story unfolds, the meat of the tale is the same. Someone else steps into our lives and gives us what we need in order to find our way. It isn't everything we will ever need, but it is what is most necessary in that moment to sustain us, or redirect us or protect us. Through the actions of another, we are delivered from the circumstances that would wound or hold us back.

It's a good feeling to think we can handle just about anything. We like to think of ourselves as the strong ones, able to keep our lives under control, never needing assistance. It is the shadow side of pride of course, and therefore deceptive, for even if we don't learn how untrue that is during our lifetimes, the advance of age or serious illness will bring it home to roost. If we close ourselves off to the attentions of others, we limit our experiences profoundly. The potential for how we see and live and be in the world can be enriched by the actions of others. If we close ourselves off we miss the chance to consider other options, other viewpoints, other solutions and pathways outside the ones we come up with ourselves.

Life we learn, is about far more than existing. Living teaches us the beautiful moments, the parts that make it the most meaningful arise out of our understanding to be here for ourselves, we will also need to be here for each other. The give and take, the lifting up, helping out, loving back, caring for, reaching out, giving up, letting go, trying out, listening to, raising up are life. And we are meant to do it together.