The choral director told me something last week that made me shiver.

¨There is research to show that about five minutes into a piece, all of the singers' hearts are beating in sync.¨

Maybe it has to do with the unity of their breathing. Perhaps it is related to their focus on the conductor. Whatever the cause, I like it.

Maybe we are not meant to thrum in isolation. My church has a new program called Pay it Forward, where people show up to chop vegetables for soup, and bake pies, and mix cornbread. Other days they venture out into the community to help families with yard work, or reclaim a family room that was overrun during an extended illness. Their singular intention lines up their efforts like iron filings on a magnet. It's not about talking. It's about doing. 

I read an article describing an effort by Muslims to financially support the victims of the most recent shooting. Over a thousand people, connected by faith, have joined resources for compassion. It resonates for me more deeply now that a Muslim woman is in my home every day. She helps Ben learn to handle his frustration, and make biscuits. 

Marriage calls two people toward a shared nucleus. Their commitment begins to breathe, and throb, with a life that is separate from yet central to each of them.