by Seattle Jon (bio)
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| Image by Mike McCune. |
Whenever two or more people participate in something, there sometimes comes the question as to whose part is most important? Whose service is more essential? Who could get along best without the others? This question of comparative importance can occur in communities, in business, in athletics, even in families.
Working mothers or fathers who come home tired at the end of the day could feel that theirs is the most important part and that what happens in the household is more or less a routine matter.
But then sometimes the household becomes disorganized when the one who is most responsible for its activities is absent or ill – and the indispensable nature of the so-called “routine” household tasks becomes sharply apparent.
Children can also take things for granted or feel imposed upon by their parents. But later, when they have their own families, they quickly realize (hopefully) the weight and the work that was carried for them by others.
Husbands and wives cannot safely suppose that the work of one is above that of the other, or that both do not need each other. Nor can children. And so it is in all society. Innumerable people, most of whom we never know, provide for us comfort and safety and innumerable services. Literally there is no such thing as an independent person.
All of our lives have become so intertwined that the comparison of Paul seems more and more true: "For the body is not one member, but many … And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you …"
The fact is that the whole of life is so dependent upon the performance of others that all of us need all of us. So, this holiday season, let us all be grateful for the services of others.
Happy holidays from Modern Mormon Men.
