Kid’s Corner

A Most Unlikely Pair

By Christy Lowman

Burke County

The ocean is a vast open area where survival can be tough. Some animals have decided to work together so they can survive. They have become the most unlikely friends. This type of relationship is called a symbiotic relationship.

Jellyfish have always fascinated me. Several types of them have become friends with fish. Instead of eating them they let them live among their tentacles. These fish are small, vulnerable fish. They have learned that they are immune to the jellyfish’s stings making it possible for them to take refuge under the jellyfish. While protecting the small fish, the jellyfish uses him as bait to lure bigger fish for food. When a bigger fish comes closer to eat the small fish the jellyfish will sting him with his tentacles. This is how the jellyfish gets its food and in return the small fish gets to eat whatever scraps are left. The jellyfish doesn’t have to work as hard to find food. The small fish not only has a protective shelter, but is also fed. Their teamwork provides a win for both of them!

This type of teamwork is one of many that shows how animals have teamed up to survive.

We are the same way. If we work together with one another we can accomplish things that we could not have done on our own. It is very possible that while doing this, you might find an awesome friend that you enjoy being around, a person that you would have never considered a friend. For example, when I was growing up we got new neighbors. They were a sweet elderly couple, that I started visiting on a regular basis. I would go over and keep them company and would help them out when needed. In return, I made new friends and they became my adopted grandparents. Not only did I hear fascinating true stories, but the man taught me about all kinds of rocks and what it was like to be a rock hound. The lady taught me how to crochet, about gardening and growing flowers. The best thing they talked about was God and how He had made a difference in their lives. The time I spent there was priceless, we kept each other company for many years. We were an unlikely trio, but we were able to help each other out, while cherishing each other’s friendship. The life skill of learning how to crochet has blessed me in my life. It started me on the path to learn more about crochet. I’ve made and sold items, donated prayer shawls to the sick, and developed my own crochet patterns. The stories of the Navy, and of going on rock hunting adventures spiked my love for rocks and adventure. I was also able to experience God’s love through them. My neighbors blessed me and in return I have been able to bless others.

I challenge you to team up with others to look for ways to help other people out. Visit shut-ins that are no longer able to come to your church, visit people in local nursing homes. Take meals to the homeless. These are just a few examples of things you could do. I not only guarantee you that you will find a new friend, but you will also be blessed by  that person as well!

Jesus went out and met with the people that were not popular, some had diseases, some were not liked, etc. He did not act like He was better than anyone, even though He was. He washed the disciples’ feet before the Last Supper to demonstrate how we should love one another and that we should serve others. I challenge you to be the hands and feet of Jesus. Go out and show love to others! Yes, YOU can team up with others to make a difference in this world!

Dear Lord, please help each one of us be bold in serving others, help us be the hands and feet of Jesus. I pray that others will see You and Your love in us and in each and everything we do. Help us work together to accomplish great things in Your name. Amen

Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor:

If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.

Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone?

Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 NIV