We are designed to care for one another.

This summer, we visited stunning Lake Garda. The tranquillity of the lake was punctured one afternoon by a scary rip current near where we swam. Charlotte got stuck in it and thankfully Ben was there to grab her and, immediately, Dave jumped in to bring her to shore.

As we packed up later to leave, Dave noticed a family struggling in the same spot and yelled to me as I was walking nearby with the littles and he was rounding up the big kids. I ran over and shouted for others to help. No one hesitated. A man and several others jumped in the water and we worked together to bring them safely ashore. As we did so, another little girl went in without knowing the danger. Her sister, then her mom, tried to swim out to her and both got stuck in the current. It was terrifying as the mom panicked and almost brought the young man trying to save her under. Eventually, everyone made it to safety.

I was reminded that we are all united in our humanity.

No one hesitated when we saw the first little girl struggling to stay above the water. Strangers jumped in and acted, risking their own lives to help.

Everyone worked together and then checked on one another after all were back on shore.

I hugged a shaking, terrified momma as I reminded her she was safe and her daughters were safe. We didn't share a language or a culture, and yet, we shared a bond as mothers.

*****

I was reminded of this moment yesterday in church as we discussed the parable of the four friends (Mark 2: 3-11).  At our core, we need one another. That's how God designed us. In moments of crisis, we don't think, we act.

We were designed to care for one another. Let's remember that this week, friends. 🤍