Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. – Ecclesiastes 4:12

This week, we were reminded again that falling at our age isn’t the same as falling in our youth. Jeff took a hard fall at work on Tuesday morning, and while nothing showed on the X-ray, he still can’t lift his right arm too high. The recovery is slow, and the pain is present, but we know that when life knocks one of us down, we don’t stay down alone.

In fact, I had the unexpected “pleasure” (yes, I’m using that word loosely!) of going with him on a trapping job yesterday and helping carry traps he couldn’t manage. It’s not exactly how I pictured a romantic outing, but it was us, side by side, laughing when we could, praying when we needed, and pressing on together.

This is the marriage I’m thankful for. It’s not perfect, polished, or pain-free. But it’s strong because it’s built with three strands: Jeff, me, and God.

When Scripture says a cord of three strands is not quickly broken, it’s not just poetic, it’s practical. There’s strength in togetherness. There’s grace in showing up for each other, even when the traps are bulky and smelly and the days are long. There’s a special kind of joy in laughing together in moments that aren’t funny because we know we’re not alone.

God doesn’t always prevent the falls, but He is always present in the healing. Whether you’re walking with a spouse, a close friend, a family member, or leaning solely on the strength of Christ, you are not alone.

That “three-cord strand” isn’t limited to marriage. It’s about community, love, and God’s presence in our lives. When we lean on God and one another, we find strength to stand, even after hard falls. So whether you’re carrying someone else’s burden or learning to let someone help carry yours, remember: the cord holds. God is with you, strengthening you for every step.