relationships

-
My favorite thing about relationships is that they are all so different.

I have some friends who I hang out with and I do all the listening. With others I do all the talking. And some are more balanced. Yet I love all of these relationships.

I have friends who I can go 15 years without seeing and yet we can pick up right where we left off. Some friends I make a point to see at least once a month, whereas others we are good to see each other once a year. Some I met at church, others at school or work, an Al-Anon meeting or the grocery store. Where and how we met isn't what validates these relationships, however, and the frequency with which we see each other isn't based on how much I love these people. I love them all.

My mom and I can sit and talk for hours. My dad and I can work side-by-side for hours. My brothers and I can play for hours. My dog and I can walk for hours. Alone I can read and write for hours.

That's right. You can have a relationship with family and friends, and also with pets and yourself. And God.

At church on Sunday I sang a love song that wasn't written about God, but makes me think of Him nonetheless. Because that is the relationship I have with Him. I have a total crush on Jesus and I know He crushes on me right back.

New relationships, long distance relationships, kindred spirits, friends, family, acquaintances, partners... what we "label" our relationships is far less important to me than accepting them each as unique and lovely and important.

EMBRACE RELATIONSHIPS.

Take time to be grateful for your many and varied relationships today!


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

names

-
Image
Yesterday my sermon was about the importance of names. Matthew 1 begins with a list of names, the genealogy of Jesus. Mark 1 begins with baptism, when our name is written in the Lamb's Book of Life. Luke 1 begins with an angel telling Zechariah he would have a son, to be named John. And John 1 says "In the beginning...", reminding us of Genesis when God called things into creation, named them, and gave Adam his first assignment--to name all the animals. And because we are celebrating Jesus' birthday this week, we talked about His all important name. Jesus, which means "God saves." And Immanuel, "God is with us." Not "for" us. But "with" us. Dwelling among us. Walking the earth. Filling our hearts. I also shared that Katie means "pure". A name I've always been intimidated by. A name I never thought I could live up to. But through this year of self-exploration, of embracing fears and family and lessons ...
Read more

No Purpose in Pie Town

-
Image
Life is always changing. Sometimes it feels like a long process, sometimes it happens in an instant, and other times it just sneaks right up on you. A year ago, Randy and I were in the middle of nowhere ( Pie Town, New Mexico ), 100 percent sure that it was our next move. His mom was told she only had 6 months to live , so our plan was to care for her in her final days. During our visit, I envisioned putting my office in the loft. And already anticipated being irritated by the television and phone calls and visitors below. Randy made up the plans to convert the garage into a master suite for us. We even picked out our flooring. I researched getting certified to teach at the local elementary school and Randy had scoped out the local diner where he planned to "sling hash." We were excited about the hiking and bouldering opportunities in the area and even bought special shoes. But as the months passed by, mom seemed to be as stubborn and healthy as ever. An...
Read more

shortcomings

-
Image
I am a terrible housekeeper. I never remember to dust and I haven't seen my kitchen table in months. Yes I do eat at said table. And if you want to join me you are welcome to put your plate on a book or magazine of your choice. I have zero willpower. Every 3 months for 10 days I do a "cleanse" and only eat lean meat, fruits, and vegetables. I am yet to make it to day 5 without cheating. I am very wasteful. I waste everything. Everything. I had never heard of Saint Nicholas Day until yesterday (even though Wikipedia says it is popular in Cincinnati). And it sounds really scary. Kids getting butchered (on a similar note, did you hear they are going to make a movie out of the books Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark ?). Demons kidnapping naughty children. Giving presents to unmarried women who "need" to find a husband. (Maybe it's not such a shortcoming to have neglected to put my shoes outside Thursday night.) Typically when we talk about shortcomings ...
Read more