Baby, It’s Cold Outside
As I sit here writing, I'm receiving texts and alerts of a winter storm warning. We are expecting snow, ice, and sub-zero wind chills. As a result, the grocery store parking lots are full and every food basket in town is apparently in use. People preparing for the winter storm may not survive the mayhem of securing an ample supply of toilet paper and bottled water.
But while everyone is looking for the shortest check out line, I'm thinking about my bees. After all, they have to survive this winter weather as well. How will they endure the single digit temperatures outside? Because unlike other insects (like the Bumble Bee) honey bees do not hibernate in the winter. In fact, they are the only insect living in seasonally cold climates that create a cozy microclimate inside the hive in which they stay active no matter what the temperature is outside. But that's only because of the capacity of the colony to generate heat as a whole.
When the temperature drops below 57 degrees, the bees begin to form a tight, spherical huddle known as a cluster. They form this cluster near resources of honey and pollen they have stored away for nourishment when they cannot leave the hive. The queen is in the middle of the cluster where it is warmest and the bees who surround her "shiver" their wing muscles to generate heat. These isometric contractions produces enough heat to maintain a core temperature inside the cluster somewhere between 90-95 degrees.
Just outside this thermal ball of heat, another layer of bees hold tightly together forming an insulting blanket of bees. These bees surround the core of the cluster, and in a rhythmic dance for survival, they each move in and out of the layers to ensure everyone is safe and warm and mutually cared for within the colony. Because left to themselves, no single bee could possibly survive the harsh cold weather conditions.
And I believe what is true for bees is true for humanity as well. Early in the creation story we read:
“Then the LORD God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone; I will make him a helper suitable for him.”” (Genesis 2:18, NASB95)
God knew we could not survive in the loneliness of isolation. We were created from community, for community, having been made in the image of the undivided unity of the Trinity: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Which means, we can only flourish, as God intended, within the context of a warm and loving community. It's part of God's design, both in nature and in us.
But sometimes I think it may be easier for the bees than it is for us. Because there may be times when we feel closely connected to those around us. But there are also times when it feels like we are on the outside looking in, and loneliness in our only companion.
I understand, because I've been there too. More often than I would like to admit. In fact, even when we are in a crowd, it can fee like we are all alone. But trust me, my friend, we are not! The Bible promises:
“The LORD is close to all who call on him, yes, to all who call on him in truth. He grants the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cries for help and rescues them.” (Psalm 145:18–19, NLT)
I believe God rescues us by first reminding us of His faithful loving care. He surrounds us with the assurance of His provision and protection. He then lovingly leads into the warmth of relationships with other people, fulfilling our desire for connection. Knowing, this is the place we were made to flourish.
Bees do this naturally, because its the only way they can survive. But in our humanity, we try to convince ourselves we can do it alone. We cannot! Jesus said:
“I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5, NASB95)
So bee intentional. Find life in the unlimited love of your Savior. Dive deep into the warmth of community. A place where you can be fully known and completely loved. And if you see someone outside of your circle, invite them in. After all, we are all in a rhythmic dance for survival. So let's ensure everyone is safe and warm and mutually cared for within the cluster of loving community.
