Kay Watson

Recently I discovered a little book with a big message. The book is entitled, With, and its author is John Stahl-Wert. I was immediately taken with this title. Though it is a small, well-worn, and often overlooked piece of the English language, the author suggests that it is one of the most meaningful words there is. After finishing the slight, 69 page work I must agree.

Stahl-Wert begins the book, which he proclaims to be a true story, by explaining a unique experience shared with a dear uncle, Sam. The special outing occurred when young Johnny was only 6 or 7 years old. Having been born into a Mennonite family with several brothers and sisters and even more cousins, it was a rare treat to spend one-on-one time with his favorite uncle. On this day it was a special buggy ride followed by his first experience drinking a Coke that caused John to ponder the concept of  “with.” What comfort and sense of belonging it gave him to know that he was with Sam and Sam was with him.

After finishing the book I decided to explore the concept further, looking up the word in my dictionary. A few of the offerings were:  in the company of, in relation to, in the same direction as. Interesting! I jotted down a few words that came to my mind as well:  relationship, intimacy, unity, togetherness, belonging. What satisfying words!

Stahl-Wert goes on to tell of other  special familial relationships he has enjoyed and then draws the analogy of  “us with God.”  I’ll leave you to check out the rest of this wonderful work for yourselves, but I conclude with some thoughts from  the Holy Scriptures on this concept of with.

“…you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world.” John 15:9

“You also are among those who are called to belong to Christ.”  Romans 1:6

“…So in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.” Romans 12:5

I’ll leave you with two questions Stahl-Wert’s book begs to have you answer, Who are you with?  Who is with you?

May you be blessed today!

Today was, if I had to rate it on a scale of 1-10, about a 3.5. Admittedly, I have not lost a loved one today, and no one in my immediate family or circle of friends is seriously ill. The bills are all paid (well, most of them anyway) and I have a roof over my head. It was just one of those days that started with such potential, but seemed to dip a little more at every turn. It was one of those days where I could just kick myself for feeling bad because I can’t help but remember all the things I have to be thankful for. For some  reason, however, I just can’t seem to muster up the “want to.” (more…)