Macaroni is good. Cheese is good. Mac & Cheese is great. Oreos are good. Milk is good. Oreos & Milk are great. Okay, let’s be honest, Oreos are pretty great on their own. I mean, Cookies & Cream? It was destined to be an ice cream. But the fact remains, the “&” made it better.
The ampersand is the common symbol originating from the Latin word “et” meaning “and.” In the first century, Roman script began to forge the letters together and a few millennia later it became the “&” we know and love.
I work for an M&M, just not the chocolate kind. People always ask what the M’s stand for. “Mo’ Money”, “Margaritas and Mimosas “and my personal favorite “Monkeys and Marshmallows.” Actually, it stands for the two men who started the company more than fifty years ago. Everyone who has walked through the door since have been the ampersand, the glue that held it together, the “and” that made it better (alright, not “everyone”, and you know who you are).
“&” can be used as contrast between opposing forces: good and evil, dark and light, heaven and hell. Or it can be used to enhance similar things: love and peace, compassion and forgiveness, grace and mercy. The latter are some really good ampersands.
If you are the glue, it is important to know what you are holding together, because like a good mac and cheese, it melts and becomes one big gooey mess. If black and white, the “&” is just gray. If hot and cold, the “&” is lukewarm. But doubling a positive will make all the difference, just as would the opposite.
So, whether you are the “&” at your job, in your marriage or simply breathing in & out, it is best if you’re not alone.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer “&” petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7
God is the true ampersand, the glue that holds you together when things get a bit sticky.
If these words have been a blessing, pass them along to another who needs to hear. If you would like to read more, follow the links above. If you do not do socials, email me at John@LiftedKeys.com and we can find a way.
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