Relationships are the building blocks of life and most often a source of disappointment and pain. Our greatest joy and our most profound sadness are usually associated with relationships. Sometimes it is the same person who delivers both joy and sorrow. Through out our lives we all experience relationship problems. It could be a spouse, a child, a friend, an employee, or co-worker or a neighbor. There are many reasons we experience relationship issues. At the heart of our lives in the relationships we have with other people. Whether we have come from a broken home or have had positive relationship role models, we all must continually be working on our relationships. I believe it was Donald Miller who stated:”that when you stop expecting people to be perfect you can like them for who they are.” Some of our relationship difficulties stem from our stratospheric expectations that we place on others. Then, at the same time we never hold ourselves to the same exacting standard.
What do we need to remember regarding our relationships?
1 Be an encourager and not a critic. Something happens in us, when we realize it is not our job to be a critic and our mission should be to encourage those around us.
2 Let your family and friends be human. You want them to give you that privilege, so extend it to them as well.
3 Never underestimate the power of kindness. No where is this more true than in our relationships
3 Never give up on your family
4 Be a good listener
5 Practice forgiveness
6 Relationships are work! So are most things in life that are valuable.
7 Be the first to say I am sorry!
8 It is okay to disagree but hold hands while doing so!
9 Never let a problem to be dealt with become greater than the person to be loved!
10 Value relationships over things
Just a few thoughts on this great day. I am thanking God for the my family and friends who have added such depth and color and texture to my life.
