I marvel sometimes at the things which constitute a bond between two human beings. A common interest in collecting eighteenth-century buttons. A mutual excitement in discovering fresh Bible truths. A joint fascination in bird-watching. A shared commitment to physical exercise. A similar bent toward holy living. And the list goes on.
Sam and Carrie Wiest were fine people, and members of our congregation. Knowing Sam’s keen interest in collecting marigold-colored carnival glass, whenever Evy and I would visit the Wiests, I’d always ask if any new pieces graced their corner cupboard. That’s all it took. Sam would gladly open the doors of the corner cupboard, and not only show us any new pieces, but in great detail also tell us about the existing collection. The more I looked at the collection, the more I began liking what I saw. Thus began a collection of my own. When an important wedding anniversary was approaching, I took Sam aside one day and wondered if I could purchase one of his buttermilk goblets in the “Iris” pattern. Because it was a prized piece, he hesitated a bit, but then agreed to make the sale “…only because it’s you, Paul.” When Evy unwrapped the goblet that October third, she was elated. And Sam and I had become kindred spirits.
There’s another side to being kindred spirits, though. As people who’ve been in adversity together know, it’s easy to draw near one another in a hospital waiting room. If the building where you’ve worked together bums down, it’s not difficult to feel a closeness to the other victims. When you lose a spouse to cancer, there comes a camaraderie with others who’ve had a similar experience. Even bad weather creates a kind of fellowship. Those who wait out a thunderstorm in a doorway or under an awning may have passed on the street for years without even looking at one another, much less speaking. But trap them together in a downpour and they’ll smile and talk and even share an umbrella. Suddenly they’re kindred spirits.
As a believer, it’s wonderful to know that I also have a kindred spirit in the person of Jesus. The Apostle declares: “The one who died for me-who was raised to life for me!- is in the presence of God at this very moment sticking up for me. Do you think anyone is going to be able to drive a wedge between me and Christ’s love for me. There is no way!” (Romans 8:34/The Message) Be thankful again and again for those whom you deem “kindred spirits,” but above all be grateful for THE Kindred Spirit you have in Jesus!
July/August 1996