Relationships, Day 4

Relationships, Day 4

I just got a thanksgiving greeting card in the mail. Some one took the time to tell me they were thankful for our relationship. It made me feel really special. Every year, this particular person adds a little card with a saying. This year, the card says "Life takes a bit of time and a lot of relationship." William P. Young from The Shack.

I once heard someone say we all have the same amount of time each day to make our life count, it's how you use it that will matter. Think of your time more valuable than money. It is spent and gone forever. Where money can be replenished.

What relationships need a little more of your time this week? How about a lot of your time?
I often hear friends and family say to me, when you get some time, give me a call, or you are so busy , I didn't want to bother you. I have to admit, it is true. We all have areas in our lives that we can improve. You can be relational and you can be relational retarded. the two can go hand in hand. Because of who I am, I tend to have an abundance of relationships, but am relationally retarded because I can't seem to balance it all. Do you feel that way sometimes? Today, I am all alone, no kids or husband, just me. I am resting in God's presence and working on all the things I don't do when I am being relational. Truth is, I like it. Sometimes we can get really burnt out just by relating with others. It takes time, it takes a lot of energy.

Here are some practical tips on how to stay positive about building relationships and how to be full when you could be drained by relating to others.

Be quick to receive the truth, and even quicker to dismiss gossip

Be a peacemaker

You can tell a little about a person by what he says about himself. You can tell a lot about a person by what others say about him. You can tell more by what he says about others.

Ask questions that your soul wants you to ask.

A smile is your most important accessory.

Examine your life for the faults you find most irritating in others. you may be surprised.

Commit yourself to projects: DEDICATE yourself to people.

Serve God with your relationships, take care of others without taking the credit.

Associate with people who lift you up, spend less time with those who pull you down or drain you.

Seek out quiet people, they have a lot to say.

I hope these tips will help you. I found them in the book God is in the Small Stuff by Bruce and Stan.

One last note. I have had the privilege of meeting several women through the years. One thing I have noticed is that we all find it hard to form new relationships because we feel that we aren't good enough or will be rejected. Remember God made you, he loves you and you won't know unless you try if a relationship is going to work out. Give it some time. Always be understanding when it comes to peoples lives. Especially those who have children, spouses, additional family living in their home, volunteer positions, work outside their homes.

Dear Lord,
I ask that you help us to really put some thought into our relational life. Are there relationships that we have not given enough time to that may be suffering. Have we cut short relationships that may have needed more time. Have we over committed in our life so that we don't have time to invest in relationships. How is our relationship with our family, our kids, our spouse. Have we become so relational that they are suffering. Help us to balance where it is needed so that we are not drained and so that we have something to give someone else.

In your name, Jesus, Amen.

Please continue to pray for Charity L. Also be sure to send in your praises and prayers for tomorrow. We are committed to lifting those things up in prayer.