Ecclesiastes has some depressing words (the second verse shouts out that everything is meaningless, after all), but much wisdom can be found in this book of the Bible. Reading the verses below reminds me of the string section in an orchestra. String players are often not as common as brass and woodwind players in church orchestras. In fact, while playing cello, I have at times been the only string player. Cellos are soft. Much softer than a section of trumpets or trombones, or even clarinets. At times, that is good, since no one can hear all the mistakes I make. But if the strings are supposed to be playing forte (loud), then it is difficult with only one player. And when the cello part is written for at least two cellos, playing two (or more) different notes, it is extremely hard to be the only one.
When the cello part indicates ‘stagger bowing’ – and I am the only cellist – I am at a loss for what to do. This indicates that a long note is being held, often for a dozen measures or so, and in order to make the note sound continuous, multiple cellos are needed. The bow is only so long, and has to be moving to make a sound. When you reach the end of your bow, you have to switch directions to continue making a sound. That moment of switching usually causes a short break in the sound, however. If multiple cellists are present, they can switch their bow direction at different times – thus making the sound continuous.
You can’t do that with only one cellist.
We need to practice staggered bowing in life too. When we are weak, we need another to walk alongside us to restore our strength. When we are tired, we need another to take over for a while until we rest and regain our breath. When we are timid, we need another to help us gather our courage and do what God has called us to do. We need to be an orchestra of believers, playing together to glorify God.
Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: if either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12