Relationships Take Time

I read this and thought you might appreciate it.

 

Some days I think we all have inherited a double dose of impatience. That could explain why so many of us despise shopping, standing in line, waiting in line and mutter when the driver in front of us balks at turning right on red. More than once, you know, we say about each other or sometimes to each other: "Sometimes I just don't understand you at all!" Well, NEWS FLASH, we're not that easy to figure out, either. 

There's so much more we need to learn about growing in relationships. And it takes time.

 

But why is that so exasperating? My guess is it's part of human nature. A congenital hurry-bone of contention inherited from Adam and Eve who started the whole business by eating an apple guaranteed to give them instant knowledge.

 

When we live by the false "faster is better" creed, we lose sight of the contrasting truth: Relationships take lots of time to develop and nurture. They demand long hours and years and even decades of work....and don't forget the money too!

 

But when you stop to consider the alternative, it's clear that relationships are worth the time. Why hurry to give up on trying when you can take your time and nurture a deep commitmment with someone else for the rest of your life?

 

Relationship Builders:

• Have you ever felt that your relationships should be better faster?
• Why is it so hard to be patient as relationships develop?

Relationships

A story of a relationship between a man and a little bit over 4,000 people is told in Matthew 15:32. The story is so simplistic yet it depicts a lot about the kinds of relationships you and I experience daily (or try to experience…or even avoid experiencing). Relationships are tough! They are by choice and every one of us chooses the relationships that we have. We decide which ones to invest in; which ones to hold on to; which ones to patch up; which ones to let go of; which ones to disregard; which ones we don’t even bother with, etc…the list goes on and on. The bottom line is that all the relationships we have are based on our personal choices. When you walk with someone for a little while, it’s only natural to see the different hats they wear; the different faces they carry; the different moods they have. The more time we spend with someone, the more we are introduced or invited into their world – and vice versa. And this is usually where the choice is challenged. Are you going to let them into your life? Are you going to let yourself into theirs? How much compassion are you willing to have with the people that are around you? Compassion is an inward affection, a form of mercy, a tender heart towards someone. The Encarta dictionary defines compassion as sympathy for the suffering of others, often including a desire to help. Webster’s dictionary defines it as a sympathetic consciousness of others' distress together with a desire to alleviate it. This exact trait is a strong key into another’s heart; thereby allowing you to offer sympathy and/or empathy. One of the important parts of a committed relationship is that you don’t hesitate to give something of yourself; AND sadly, a lot of us flop in this area. We should always take something good away from every relationship (no matter the outcome). Realizing that no perfect person exists is a great perception that will keep you committed in staying close to someone. You can freely persevere through a friendship or abide with a person; knowing that their/your destination is ahead. It also helps not to be bitter or unforgiving, if things don’t turn out quite as expected. Jesus said in Matt. 15:32 that He wouldn’t send the multitude away fasting (hungry, without food); lest they faint in the way. This is a very significant statement. It’s as if Jesus was so empathetic with the people for walking with Him for so long already (3 days) that He was worried about their well-being, more than why they were following Him in the first place. Unbeknownst to them, what He offered them was the reason why they were drawn to Him anyway. They needed sustenance, strength, hope and faith; and they received that and MORE! Think about this - How many people are connected to you? Do you know why they are so attracted to you? Are you able to give them a bit of what God has put inside of you; so they can gain some hope and strength for their own personal journeys? Our relationships are not always about how it feels to us; but it’s also about how the other person can grow from your legacy, your way of living, your outlook on life. Ladies, if you see something in someone that you feel needs some attending to, please attend to it. Don’t be selfish. Don’t say “that’s someone else’s job” or “that’s someone else’s ministry”. You might actually be EXACTLY what they need to make it through their next crossroad in life. Selah… (Meditate on this)