Belonging to a Pack

A pack of wolves assembled

 I use to think of wolves as a singular entity in my childhood days when I became fascinated by them. The poetry I would write about wolves always had them as being loners. In my loneliness I rewrote the instincts of these beautiful creatures to fit my mood.

As I grew older and learned more about them, I realized the exact opposite was true. Wolves were not really loners (although they can at times strike out on their own). Rather they belong to a pack--a family.

I think about the various packs I belong to and I am blessed to know that I have so many. First, there is my family consisting of my mother and my two sisters. With all that has happened in my life in the last few months, I have drawn so much strength and support from them. My second-oldest sister has been my confidant in all things lately, and my oldest sister is becoming someone I can go to once more like I did when I was a kid. 

I also have a pack within the church I attend. I have strong men like my pastor, his brother, and the four male elders/deacons of the church who pray for me, edify me, and also hold me accountable (when necessary) because they love me and want to see me grow spiritually in the Lord. There are women of the church who offer me encouragement, and even have stood by my side through all of this. I am blessed to be a part of this "pack." 

From that church I also have a small pack with a man who has become a new brother to me. We share similar traits such as our love for all things geeky, our love for the Lord, and even our mental illnesses. 

I also have a large pack within my high school friends from Bristow, OK. Four in particular has stood by me, encouraging me, and yes holding me accountable. I love them dearly, and I know whenever I need someone to talk to they are at the ready to listen. 

Finally, I have a pack from my time in the Army. I have forged relationships with these band of brothers that has withstood the test of time, and I know I can go to when I need something as well. 

So yes I can identify with a wolf still but not as a loner. Instead, as part of a family--a pack.

Until next time...