Consider this “true” story of three deer hunters, one big buck and a lesson learned. “A doctor, a lawyer and a pastor go out deer hunting. Along comes a big buck, and they all three shoot. Success! But then an argument ensues as to who actually shot the deer. The lawyer says, ‘I am the trained marksman and a professional litigator. I shot the deer.’ The doctor says, ‘I think I got him. But let me do a careful anatomical investigation.’ In just three minutes he proclaims: ‘Pastor, you obviously shot the deer; because the bullet went in one ear and out the other!'” (by courtesy of “Joke Devotions 2” by Pastor Chris Brekke, with permission)

It has occurred to me that nearly everything can be explained in “threes.” One is well-served by grouping things in triplicate to get perspective, analysis and insight. See how I did that? The various pursuits of people I have known can fit into three categories beginning with the letter “C.” The first is to create. The Holy Bible starts out with the Lord God speaking, creating with a word, God’s mouth as it were. The fifth word in the Holy Bible is the word “created” as in “God created.” The 41st word starts the sentence, “God said, ‘Let there be light.'” The motivation to create comes from God.

A second “C” word is commune. Later in the first book of the Bible the Creator says, “It is not good that the man should be alone.” Oh, how we know that to be true! In spite of a man’s penchant to occupy a duck blind, a fish house or a man-cave, paired fun is shared fun — and always safer. To commune means to come together for a common purpose and let the reader understand: social media does not count for coming together — frequently it’s the opposite.

The last “C” word in the triad of drives, instincts and passions (see how I did that again) is the word compete. If you listen to two people in nearly any conversation long enough you may likely hear three opinions on the same topic.

So to apply this to life, consider the reasons, rationales and purposes for the odd, ironic and beautiful (and wicked) things that people do. We create to come together but having gathered we consistently compete. A pile of wood becomes a house, a sack of flour becomes bread and gunpowder becomes a lethal weapon.

But in spite of our maddening ways, may the one who spoke existence into being give meaning and abundant life to all who believe God’s word, both here and hereafter. “So shall my word be that goes forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void” (Isaiah 55:11a). Or as God puts it: “Let there be light.”