Unique Pairings

What are some unique pairings in life?

Somewhere along the way someone took the ingenious step of joining peanut butter and jelly and making what is individually tasty, all together superior by combining them together. Along with peanut butter and jelly, we also have the great combinations of macaroni and cheese, bacon and eggs, or how about Batman and Robin! What other combinations come to your mind?

Not long ago, I read about the creation of the peanut butter and mayo sandwich that became a comfort food in the South during the time of the Great Depression. When food was scarce people had to improvise and the peanut butter and mayo sandwich became a protein and calorie dense treat. Who would have thought? I think I’ll pass!

There are many things that we don’t initially see co-existing, but the truth is they often make a good pairing. Here’s a quick list of pairings that came to my mind:

Faith and doubt. Love and boundaries. Confidence and humility. Grief and joy. Disagreement and kindness. Conviction and curiosity. Sinner and saint.

I’d be interested to hear of any other combinations that come to your mind (email me: nmartineau@hopecc.net)

In the Gospel of Mark there’s a story about a father asking Jesus to heal his son and Jesus said to him, “If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.” Immediately the father of the child cried out and said with tears, “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!” (Mark 9:23-24).

Belief and unbelief coexisting?!? Just this week I found myself in a position where I had great belief that God was going to come through with a request, while at the same time I was on my knees praying that God would help my unbelief. It might not make sense when you speak it out loud, but it makes complete sense when you are living it out.

What combinations have you experienced that don’t always make sense at first glance, but make absolutely sense when they are lived out? Knowing that unique pairings can co-exist, what does this mean in regards to the grace we show one another?

Peace,
Nick