Relationships, Day 1 and 2

Relationships, Day 1 and Day 2

Relationships is not easily defined in one sentence. I am guessing we all have a good idea of what it means. Let's look at a few thoughts on how we process the meaning and what God says about it.

Romans 12:9-10
Don't just pretend that you love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Stand on the side of the good. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. Never be lazy in your work, but serve the Lord enthusiastically.

I am going to be the first one to admit that I need help when it comes to relationships. This is an area of my life that I have put entirely too much thought and planning into and God has either had another plan or I have been to distracted to even hear him speak life into my relationships.

In the book "God is in the Small Stuff", the authors compare relationships to gardening, which I actually understand. Relationships are seasonal. Planting one is going to take a lot of time. This is where common interests are found. Then there is the growing stage. This takes a lot of nurturing, where you go beyond common interests and begin to appreciate each other's differences. This discovery can only be made by the time spent with each other. Interesting how this world is all about the here and now, the speed of things. One thing remains true though, there are no fast relationships that last. I heard that there are actually gatherings where people get together to find a date and they take 5 minutes to see if they connect and then move on to the next table until they find someone they might like. I am sorry, but what are people thinking. Most of those relationships in my life that I cherish and adore are the ones where the first 5 minutes didn't exactly reveal their inner selves. One of my very best friends and I joke about how we really didn't like each other at first, it was through our husbands relationships that we became friends. That friend later held my hand while I delivered my daughter, Hayden. Then there is the harvest. This is when the friendship proves to be a source of strength and encouragement to you.

We all want meaningful relationships. We desire this characteristic that God has placed in us. Fellowship, trust, loyalty. Something that goes beyond shallow courtesy, all the way to "do anything for each other".

This is possible, it will take time, your time. That is where I suffer the most. How do we all juggle the time we have for our families, spouses, friends, clubs, church, Whatever you are involved in.

The answer is NOT that simple. But I think I have a few suggestions that may help.

Form relationships within your schedule. If your children are into sports, make relationships with the other parents. If you find yourself taking care of small children during the day, join a Mother's Of Preschoolers (MOPS) group. If you like to read, join a book club. Just don't let your life be full of YOU.

I love how we are asked to take delight in honoring each other. That is the best definition that I have heard so far.

Dear Lord,
I know there is so much that can be taught on relationships, one week devotional is not going to do the job. I just ask, Lord, that you come near to us and show us where we are lacking in this area so that we can be full of delight in honoring each other. There is more to relationships, so give me the right words to teach this subject this week. Amen.