The Power of Three

One of the attractions to our house when we were looking was the trio of high, square windows on the central wall of the living room. The windows are framed in white and feature a single Colonial grille or cross-shaped framework. The windows are about four-feet above the fireplace, providing lots of natural light in the room.

What has surprised me most is how often I see something through them. From standing or sitting in the room, your eyes look up through the windows and capture an uncluttered view of the sky. Often the blue expanse is decorated with fluffy white clouds gliding along in interesting forms. Contrasting jet streams appear and then fade away, as well. I've seen small planes and helicopters pass through my air space and even a hot air balloon drifted by once.

The fluffy white clouds seem to gently dance their way past on windy days, contrasting with the deep gray storm clouds that rush tumultuously across the sky. A red-tailed hawk daily floats in circles overhead, perhaps searching for prey in the nearby pond. The V-shape of a flock of geese moves across the sky, often accompanied by its honking chorus. In the last few weeks we have enjoyed the striking sight of migrating pelicans. The brilliant white birds seem to float carelessly above, drifting on a breeze, dancing together as their form changes from bold white to shiny silver reflections that sparkle against the blue canvas.

Equally beautiful is the view of the night sky. The three windows provide peek holes to the star-lit blanket of black and the occasional blinking light of a passing airplane. But, it is the moon's appearance that is most striking as I peer through the windows after dark. It is almost as if I'm looking through a special lens to an uninterrupted view of the world.

Designers have utilized the power of three for a long time but the greater significance was first revealed centuries ago in the Bible. Three examples are: the Holy Trinity - the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit; Jesus rose from the grave in three days; and Peter denied Jesus three times to fulfill the prophecies.

"Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken" (Ecclesiastes 4:12 NIV).