The Power of Companionship

February is the month where resolutions go to die. It’s a dark, cold month that is mercifully only 28 days in length. Those resolutions that seemed like such a good idea on January 1 somehow become an arduous task in February’s chill. February is a particularly difficult month for those who like to lace up their running shoes and hit the road for a morning run, but this year’s Polar Vortex and snow have dampened my enthusiasm for heading out the door. Thank goodness for my running partner. When my alarm sounds and my bed takes on a significant gravitational pull, the knowledge that Mike will be waiting for me at the end of my driveway compels me to bundle up and step out into the frosty air.

The wonderful thing about a running partner (or group) is this kind of accountability. But the other great benefit is the conversation. There are mornings when I’m getting ready and I can’t wait to discuss something with Mike. Over the years, he’s counseled me on administrative matters at the church. A faithful Roman Catholic and leader in his own parish, he is able to offer his professional expertise from an outside perspective. I’ve offered him counsel on the tragic death of his nephew, and recently walked (actually ran) with him through a career change.  Our conversation isn’t always so serious, but our time together provides the space if it needs to be.

For about the last 8 years, I’ve had a standing appointment on my calendar every Tuesday afternoon at 1:00. That’s when I meet with my prayer partner Dan. When Dan and I first started meeting, he was planting a church. We spent a lot of time in those early days talking about practical matters of ministry, staffing, and building projects. Over time, there has been a gradual shift in the nature of those conversations. They’ve become much deeper and much more personal. They’re the kinds of conversations that have produced tears, laughter, hugs, and fervent prayer. Granted, ministry gets busy and there are days when I feel like my time should be spent tending to other matters, but then Dan shows up, and that hour turns into one of the most important hours of the week.

In the 10^th chapter of Luke, when Jesus sends the apostles “like lambs into the midst of wolves,” he sends them out in pairs. I think that he understands the inherent necessity of having a partner in ministry and in life. This is an ancient observation expressed in the 2^nd chapter of Genesis: Then the LORD God said, "It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper as his partner." (Gen 2:18)  I have a running coach and I know many people that have professional coaches of some sort, but a coach is different than a partner. While a coach might offer you bread for the journey, a partner is one with whom you share that bread on the journey. Such is the meaning of companion. And that makes all the difference.