A reflection from Nani Elm: FERTILIZED and WATERED

Nani is facilitating Six Summer Saturdays at Sundown, an opportunity for folks to gather in fellowship and deepen their spirituality and connections with God and each other. Read more about it in The Spire, July 2025.

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This past Saturday was another beautiful session. As usual, we had our spectators who like to just listen, we had our social butterflies, and we had someone who became vulnerable and shared. This person shared about the dark place they fell into after the passing of their spouse. The spiraling downward into a pit of despair and grief and loneliness. This person shared that ultimately, they turned to God and it was GOD lifting them out and bringing them to Central Union Church. God had saved them, bringing them out of that season, bringing them through the next season, and now this person was facing yet a NEW season of life.

Sometimes, when we discuss our health, we tend to think about “body, mind, and spirit.” Or we think in terms of good health physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. But what about SOCIALLY? Do we talk about the importance that socialization plays in our overall health and well being? Do we talk about the impact it can have on our physical, mental, emotional, or spiritual health and well being?

The bible talks about it. God Himself says so right at the beginning of creation. In Genesis 1 and 2, we read that at the end of each of the first five days of creation, God says “it is good.” But in Genesis 2, when it talks about Adam, God says it is NOT good for Adam to be alone and God creates Eve and then says it is very good. God created us as social beings.

In Ecclesiastes 4, verse 12, it says that a three-stranded cord is not easily broken. Oftentimes this verse is used to describe a marriage and it is said that the husband and wife are two of the strands, but that God is the third strand that gives the marriage bond that extra strength.

But the full context of that chapter is much broader.

“Ecclesiastes 4 explores the themes of oppression, the futility of striving without contentment, and the benefits of companionship. It highlights the pain of the oppressed, the emptiness of relentless toil, and the value of relationships, suggesting that human connection offers comfort and strength in a world filled with challenges. Oppression and its consequences: The chapter begins by addressing the suffering of the oppressed, who have no one to comfort them in the face of their oppressors. The vanity of striving: Verses 4-6 discuss the futility of striving for success or wealth without finding contentment, likening it to chasing the wind. The importance of companionship:
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 emphasizes the value of human connection, suggesting that two are better than one, able to offer support, comfort, and strength in the face of adversity. The fleeting nature of popularity: The final verses (13-16) touch on the impermanence of popularity and influence, reminding us that even a wise ruler may eventually be forgotten. In essence, Ecclesiastes 4 encourages readers to find meaning and purpose not just in worldly pursuits, but also in genuine relationships and a balanced approach to life, acknowledging the challenges and inequalities of the world while seeking contentment and connection.” (This information was generated by Google, 2025.)

In the New Testament, Matthew 18:20, Jesus says, “where 2 or more are gathered, I am there with them.”  The bible talks about bearing each other’s burdens.  There are countless verses that speak of the importance of community and gathering together to support and encourage each other. WE WERE CREATED for it.

SCIENCE also proves the impact of all types of relationships, and the effects that relationships have on our overall health. Healthy relationships yield POSITIVE health benefits while “toxic” relationships can have the opposite effect. (I will let you google the statistics on your own).

One of the purposes of these Summer Saturdays at Sundown is to foster and grow POSITIVE relationships and community. We are looking at our OVERALL health and well being and what we can do with our LIFESTYLE to have complete wellness.

Each of our sessions is designed to help meet the needs of the people in attendance. This week, the focus needed to be on our health socially. At the end of the evening, when I asked if the group felt “full” and “fed”, one person said, “I feel fertilized and watered!”